Madison Heights, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Madison Heights, Michigan

In Madison Heights, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are adjudicated in the 43rd District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 6th Circuit Court. These charges are categorized as retail fraud within Michigan’s legal framework, and facing such allegations can result in significant consequences on both personal and professional fronts. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota boasts 18 years of experience in handling such cases and stands ready to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of clients throughout Madison Heights who are facing allegations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Madison Heights

Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from theft behaviors, which may include tactics such as altering price tags to pay less for an item. These cases entail serious consequences, underscoring the vital need for proficient legal representation. Shoplifting charges have the potential to impact future job prospects and financial stability, possibly leading to imprisonment or fines. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is dedicated to fervently advocating for your shoplifting case to secure the best possible outcome.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Madison Heights

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 Madison Heights Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Madison Heights, 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 43rd District Court – Madison Heights

The 43rd District Court is located at  200 W 13 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071

The 43rd District Court judges are:

Honorable Keith Hunt

Honorable Michael G. Mitchell

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 Madison Heights shoplifting and retail fraud case.