Retail Fraud/Shoplifting

Retail fraud, commonly referred to as shoplifting, is a serious charge that could land you in jail. If you or someone you know has been accused of shoplifting in Michigan, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. No matter what the value of the stolen product, you will need legal representation in order to avoid criminal punishment. Michigan retail fraud cases can affect your future if you do not obtain an excellent lawyer, and your reputation could suffer because of a criminal conviction. Don't risk jail time or financial losses, call an experienced attorney now.

Lawyer for Charges of Shoplifting in Michigan

Criminal shoplifting penalties are serious for anyone accused of stealing an item from a retail store. Many retail fraud cases involve teenagers, and Michigan courts will not go easier on someone just because of age. We are experienced in defending juvenile crimes such as shoplifting, and will aggressively fight accusations against minors in Michigan criminal cases. No matter how old you are, you need a lawyer to help you face shoplifting charges. Your future employment opportunities and financial options could be seriously hurt if you are convicted in your retail fraud case. Grabel & Associates will work to keep you clear of criminal penalties and make sure you do not unjustly suffer for a shoplifting charge. If you have been accused of retail fraud in Michigan, do not speak to police, security, or loss prevention personnel before contacting us.

Stole From Retail Store in Michigan

Anyone who steals from a retail store or even attempts to steal from a store is guilty of shoplifting. If you even move an item, and employees or store security suspects you intended to steal the item, you could be found guilty of retail fraud. Switching price tags on merchandise to pay less for an item is also a form of shoplifting. Any of these offenses could earn you a criminal conviction, and could result in jail time and fines. Hire a lawyer as soon as possible to fight your Michigan retail fraud charge.

The Michigan Penal Code outlines the three degrees of retail fraud that you could be convicted of. A first degree shoplifting charge occurs when a person does any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is over $1,000.
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced at $1,000 or more.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is $1,000 or more.

A second degree Michigan shoplifting charge occurs when the accused has done any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is between $200 and $1,000
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced between $200 and $1,000.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is between $200 and $1,000.

Retail fraud in the third degree occurs when a person does any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is less than $200.
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced at under $200.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is under $200.

All three degrees of Michigan shoplifting charges are very serious and will require an exceptional lawyer to fight against damaging criminal punishment. Retail fraud is not a small charge as many assume, and could have devastating effects on your future. Don't hesitate to hire a lawyer and start building a defense in your Michigan criminal shoplifting case.

Criminal Penalties for Shoplifting in Michigan

According to the Michigan Penal Code, criminal penalties for retail fraud in the first, second, and third degree are as follows.

• First Degree Retail Fraud (felony): Jail time of up to 5 years and a potential fine of either $10,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
• Second Degree Retail Fraud (misdemeanor): Jail time of up to 1 year and a potential fine of either $2,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
• Third Degree Retail Fraud (misdemeanor): Jail time of up to 93 days and a potential fine of either $500 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.

Additionally, sentences could be enhanced due to previous convictions or co-occurring criminal offenses. It is crucial that you obtain an experienced lawyer by calling Grabel & Associates as soon as possible.

Our Approach to Michigan Shoplifting Cases

We understand that shoplifting does not seem like a serious criminal wrongdoing, and if you are facing a potential jail-sentence for a one-time mistake, we will do everything possible to get you a result that works for you. We know how to achieve case dismissals and lessened charges, and have experience working in Michigan courts to consistently deliver excellent results. If you want to demonstrate that you are innocent in your retail fraud case, we can prove you did not intentionally take goods from a store and will aggressively defend your freedom throughout the criminal process.

Attorneys Representing Clients in Retail Fraud Cases in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Throughout Michigan

We will explain the legal issues surrounding your case to you and make sure you know what any legal action could mean for your future. We have extensive knowledge of Michigan laws and penalties, and can explain the damage that can come from a shoplifting charge while helping you avoid harsh punishment. Don't throw away your future employment opportunities or opportunities to obtain licenses in Michigan. A criminal record can affect how people look at you and can change your life for years to come. We can explore sentencing options to keep you out of jail and help clear your record, or pursue a dismissal or lesser charge. No matter what result you want in your Michigan shoplifting case, our team of lawyers will achieve the outcome that works best for you.

Call Now to Defend Michigan Retail Fraud Charges

Call us, toll free at 1-800-342-7896 to speak with an experienced case analyst who will tell you more about Michigan shoplifting charges and how Michigan laws affect your case. You can even set up a free consultation with criminal defense lawyer Scott Grabel. Our lawyers know that retail fraud charges do not have to result in criminal penalties. Our Michigan team has extensive experience in Michigan defense and can deal with retail fraud charges while fighting aggressive police and prosecutors who will try to convict you.

We represent Michigan's accused in pre-trial, trial, and post-conviction stages of retail fraud cases. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chance at freedom will be. We provide top-notch criminal defense and have earned a reputation as one of Michigan's premier law firms. Contact us now to start defending your shoplifting charge with experienced and knowledgeable attorneys.

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