Orion Township Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer
Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Orion Township, Michigan
In Orion Township, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are adjudicated at the 52-3 District Court, while felony cases are forwarded to the 6th Circuit Court. In Michigan’s legal framework, shoplifting is termed as retail fraud. Accusations of retail fraud can significantly damage your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in handling such cases and is ready to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we offer representation to clients throughout Orion Township, ensuring their rights are safeguarded when confronting allegations of shoplifting or retail fraud.
Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Orion Township
Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from actions such as taking items from a store without payment or altering price tags to decrease the cost of merchandise. These charges carry substantial consequences, potentially affecting future employment opportunities and financial stability, and could lead to imprisonment or fines. It is essential to have a proficient attorney to navigate these serious allegations. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to offering comprehensive representation in your shoplifting case, working diligently to attain the most favorable outcome possible.
Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Orion Township, MI
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, obtain 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 Orion Township, Michigan Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges
If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Orion 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 52nd 3rd District Court
The 52nd 3rd District Court is located at 700 Barclay Cir, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
The 52nd 3rd District Court judges are:
Honorable Nancy Carniak
Honorable Lisa Asadoorian
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