Shoplifting by a Juvenile Lawyer in Muskegon

Stealing anything from a store, changing the price of an item, or otherwise misrepresenting an item with intention to pay less than full price is illegal in Michigan, and may juveniles are charged with shoplifting, otherwise known as retail fraud, in Muskegon County and statewide. Grabel & Associates has experience defending juveniles and adults after shoplifting accusations, and we know how to help you fight back against serious punishment after a retail fraud charge. While most juvenile crime cases are dealt with outside of the criminal justice system, it is still essential to hire an experienced juvenile defense attorney who can help you work towards the most beneficial outcome available. Without a lawyer, adult sentencing may be possible, and even in juvenile court there are a variety of possible results that could be available to your. Our team is ready now to guide you through the process of protecting your rights and defending your freedom as you battle back against aggressive police and prosecutors.

As soon as you are investigated or arrested for shoplifting in Muskegon, or if your child has been charged with a retail fraud offense, you need to get in touch with an experienced juvenile defense lawyer. Only by working with a premier defense attorney can you be sure you have done everything you can to keep a serious criminal offense off your record. If you aren’t able keep your juvenile record clear, it may be difficult to get a job, obtain scholarships, or even receive a loan. Speak with an attorney early on in your case to find out more about how your specific situation could be affected by Muskegon retail fraud laws and juvenile crime case issues.

With over a decade of experience working with clients statewide, the criminal defense team at Grabel & Associates knows how to win in Muskegon retail fraud cases, and we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to protect juveniles from harsh conviction and sentencing. Contact our firm now for a free initial case consultation and begin fighting for a favorable case result.

Juvenile Shoplifting and Retail Fraud

According to Michigan retail fraud laws, any person who alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or otherwise misrepresents the price of an item with intent to pay less than full price for that item is guilty of retail fraud, along with anyone who steals property from a store. If the value of the item of price difference is more than $1,000, that person can be charged with felony first degree retail fraud, and face up to 5 years in jail, along with a fine of $10,000 or 3 times the value of goods stolen, whichever is greater.

Second degree retail fraud results in cases involving a price difference or item(s) valued between $200 and $1,000, misdemeanor second degree retail fraud charges can result, leading to up to a year in jail and a fine of either $2,000 or three times the value of goods stolen, whichever is greater.

In cases involving stolen goods valued at below $200, third degree misdemeanor retail fraud charges can result, leading to up to 93 days in jail and a fine of either $500 or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater.

While juveniles may be able to avoid jail time and fines, it is critical to consult an attorney before taking any action in your case. Grabel & Associates is available 24/7 to begin working with you in your Muskegon juvenile shoplifting case.

Juvenile Penalties for Shoplifting

As a juvenile offender, there are a number of different outcomes that may be available to you, provided you are able to have your case heard in juvenile court, rather than adult criminal court. If you are a first time offender and the case doesn’t involve valuable property you may simply be released to your parents with a warning. Restitution payments are also likely, and the court can require you to remain employed until you can pay for the property stolen.

In other cases, probation, counseling, or diversion programs can be included in a sentence. If the case is deemed serious, placement in a juvenile detention facility or juvenile detention program may result.

Our Approach to Juvenile Shoplifting Defense

No matter what the specifics of your case, the most important thing you can do is speak with an attorney. While you might think shoplifting isn’t a serious charge, there are very harsh consequences on the line, and the court will not view your offense lightly. Speak with our lawyers now and let us begin developing a unique defense approach, designed with the goal of protecting your future.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 Juvenile Crime Defense

To speak with highly regarded Muskegon trial lawyer Scott Grabel or another member of our qualified team, call 1-800-342-7896 now or contact our firm online. We are available 24/7 to begin working with juvenile clients who have been accused of shoplifting in Muskegon.