Lakeville, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Lakeville, Michigan

In Lakeville, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases related to shoplifting or retail fraud are adjudicated in the 58th District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 6th Circuit Court. Within Michigan’s legal framework, these charges fall under the category of retail fraud, and facing such allegations can have significant repercussions on both personal and professional fronts. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota possesses 18 years of experience in managing such cases and is prepared to offer assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of clients across Lakeville who are confronting allegations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Lakeville

Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from theft behaviors, which may include tactics like altering price tags to pay less for an item. These cases entail significant repercussions, underscoring the critical need for skilled legal representation. Shoplifting charges can impact future employment opportunities and financial stability, potentially leading to imprisonment or fines. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is dedicated to vigorously advocating for your shoplifting case to attain the most favorable outcome possible.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Lakeville

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 Lakeville Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Lakeville, 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 58th District Court

The 58th District Court is located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460

The 58th District Court judges are:

Honorable Bradley S. Knoll

Honorable Juanita F. Bocanegra

Honorable Craig E. Bunce

Honorable Judy K. Mulder

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 Lakeville shoplifting or retail fraud case.