Highland/Highland Township, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer
Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Highland/Highland Township, Michigan
In Highland/Highland Township, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are processed in the 52-1 District Court, while felony cases are elevated to the 6th Circuit Court. Known as retail fraud within Michigan’s legal framework, facing charges of this nature can profoundly impact both personal and professional aspects of your life. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in handling such cases and is ready to offer assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of clients across Highland/Highland Township who are confronting allegations of retail fraud.
Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Highland/Highland Township
Allegations of shoplifting and retail fraud stem from acts of theft, which can involve tactics such as changing price tags to pay less for an item. These cases carry significant consequences, underscoring the importance of retaining a skilled attorney. Shoplifting charges can adversely affect future employment opportunities and financial stability, potentially leading to imprisonment or fines. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to vigorously advocating for your shoplifting case to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Highland/Highland Township
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact us for Highland/Highland Township Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges
If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Highland/Highland Township, Michigan, our experienced attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC can help you. We offer clients a free initial consultation. To discuss your current legal situation, call us at (888) 399-7979 or contact us online.
Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Attorney for the 52-1 District Court
The 52-1 District Court is located at 48150 Grand River Ave. #52nd, Novi, MI 48374
The 52-1 District Court judges are:
Honorable Robert Bondy
Honorable Travis Reeds
Honorable David Law
Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 6th Circuit Court
The 6th Circuit Court is located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341
The 6th Circuit Court judges are:
Honorable Martha D. Anderson
Honorable Mary Ellen Brennan
Honorable David M. Cohen
Honorable Jacob James Cunningham
Honorable Nanci J. Grant
Honorable Jeffery S. Matis
Honorable Cheryl A. Matthews
Honorable Phyllis McMillen
Honorable Daniel Patrick O’Brien
Honorable Yasmine I. Poles
Honorable Kwame L. Rowe
Honorable Victoria A. Valentine
Honorable Michael Warren
We can be reached 24/7 at 888-399-7979 for a free consultation regarding your Highland/Highland Township shoplifting or retail fraud case.