Independence Township, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Independence Township, Michigan

In Independence Township, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases related to shoplifting or retail fraud are adjudicated in the 52-2 District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 6th Circuit Court. Within Michigan’s legal framework, these charges are referred to as retail fraud, and facing such allegations can profoundly affect both personal and professional aspects of your life. Thankfully, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in handling such cases and is prepared to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of clients throughout Independence Township who are facing allegations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Independence Township

Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from theft actions, which may include tactics like altering price tags to pay less for an item. These cases come with substantial consequences, emphasizing the need for adept legal representation. Shoplifting charges can impact future job prospects and financial stability, potentially leading to incarceration or monetary penalties. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is dedicated to vigorously advocating for your shoplifting case to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Independence 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 Independence Township Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Independence 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 2nd District Court

The 52nd 2nd District Court is located at 5850 Lorac Dr., City of the Village of Clarkston, MI 48346

The 52nd 2nd District Court judges are:

Honorable Joseph G. Fabrizio

Honorable Kelley Kostin

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 6^th Circuit Court

The 6^th Circuit Court is located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341

The 6^th 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 Independence Township shoplifting or retail fraud case.