Livonia, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Livonia, Michigan

In Livonia, all misdemeanor cases related to shoplifting or retail fraud are handled at the 16th District Court, while felony cases are elevated to the 3rd Circuit Court. In Michigan, shoplifting is legally referred to as retail fraud. Accusations of retail fraud can severely impact your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota has 18 years of experience in handling such cases and is ready to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we represent clients throughout Livonia, ensuring their rights are safeguarded when confronted with allegations of shoplifting or retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Livonia

Shoplifting and retail fraud charges arise from actions such as taking items from a store without payment or altering price tags to reduce the cost of merchandise. These charges entail substantial consequences, including potential effects on future employment and financial prospects, as well as the risk of incarceration or monetary penalties. Having a proficient attorney to guide you through these severe charges is essential. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to providing diligent representation in your shoplifting case, aiming to attain the most favorable outcome possible.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Livonia, 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 Livonia, Michigan Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Livonia, 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 16th District Court

The 16th District Court is located at 32765 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154

The 16th District Court judges are:

Honorable Kathleen J. McCann

Honorable Sean P. Kavanagh

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 3rd Circuit Court

The 3rd Circuit Court is located at 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226