Taking something from a retail store without paying, or otherwise misrepresenting the price of an item with intent to pay less than full value, while the store is open to the public, can lead to shoplifting charges, formally known as retail fraud. Juveniles under the age of 17 who are accused of shoplifting will face monetary penalties, restitution, and in extreme cases, institutionalization. Because most shoplifting cases are misdemeanors, sentencing in adult court is likely not on the line, except for in cases that equate to first degree retail fraud, which usually involve high valued goods. Regardless, it is still crucial for anyone accused of juvenile shoplifting in Southfield to work with a skilled defense attorney though, as a wide variety of outcomes are possible, especially with no codified minimum and maximum penalty for offenders sentenced in the juvenile court system.
Grabel & Associates is a firm committed to doing whatever it takes to protect the wrongly accused and defend those faced with excessive potential penalties for offenses made as a youth, and our attorneys know what it takes to get clients the best results in shoplifting and theft cases. When you work with our team, we fight to get you the result that best supports your interests, and we know that can mean something different in every individual case. We are ready to put the work in to learn more about your unique situation, and to develop a defense approach based on the specifics of your situation.
Under the direction of experienced Southfield juvenile defense lawyer Scott Grabel, our attorneys fight for clients accused of all types of retail fraud, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree retail fraud, and juvenile delinquency action shoplifting. As soon as you are questioned in connection with a shoplifting offense in Southfield, you should start your defense, and it is critical that you act fast to hire an attorney who can advise you on what to say and do throughout investigation and moving into a potential trial. Grabel & Associates is available 24/7 to begin advising you on dealing with allegations of shoplifting by a juvenile in Southfield, and we can be reached by phone or online right now for a free initial case analysis. Don’t wait to get in touch with our retail fraud defense team, as it may still be possible to achieve a case dismissal or prevent a waiver to adult court, but only if you act fast. Don’t let the time sensitivity of your juvenile crime case affect your results; our lawyers are available now to begin protecting you.
For adult offenders, there are three different degrees of shoplifting, each corresponding to a different level of total value stolen. For juvenile offenders, the important distinction is between misdemeanors (2nd and 3rd degree retail fraud) and felonies (1st degree retail fraud). This distinction is pivotal, as felony charges can lead to a waiver to adult court and regular criminal penalties, while misdemeanors will be handled in the juvenile court system. In adult court, jail time could be on the line, while in juvenile court, institutionalization is possible, but repayment and rehabilitation is more likely.
In order to be charged with retail fraud, a person must steal an item from a store, attempt to exchange a refund for property that was not paid for, or alter/remove/conceal a price tag with intent to pay less than the full price for an item. If the price of the item or price difference resulting from fraud is more than $1,000, 1st degree retail fraud and a possible waiver to adult court will result.
If convicted of felony retail fraud in adult court, an offender can face 5 years behind bars, and a fine of up to $10,000 or three times the value stolen, whichever is greater, in addition to a felony record. It is difficult to assess the possible penalties for juvenile court sentences in shoplifting cases without case specifics, but work with our attorneys and learn more about how juvenile crime laws could affect your unique case.
Our Southfield retail fraud attorneys know what it takes to defend juveniles accused of committing shoplifting offenses, and will protect you from the potentially life-changing penalties that could come from a conviction. Our team seeks to provide exceptional defense and customer service, and clients statewide trust us to guide their steps as they navigate the juvenile court system and potential adult court trial. Get in touch with our team now and begin your fight for justice with a qualified defender on your side.
Call 1-800-342-7896 for a free confidential case analysis, and let our attorneys begin to answer some of the questions you have about your case. Whether you are facing juvenile shoplifting charges or are seeking representation for your child/loved one, our attorneys are available right now to help via our 24/7 hotline and online through the email form on this site.