Birmingham, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Birmingham

In Birmingham, Michigan, misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are handled at the 48th District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 6th Circuit Court. Retail fraud, commonly known as shoplifting in the state, carries significant implications for personal and professional integrity. Thankfully, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 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 safeguarding the rights of clients throughout Birmingham who are facing allegations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Birmingham

Allegations involving shoplifting and retail fraud, including tactics like price tag switching, have repercussions extending beyond legal consequences alone. These charges can disrupt various aspects of life, impacting employment opportunities and financial stability. Moreover, the looming possibility of imprisonment or hefty fines adds significant stress to an already challenging situation. It’s essential to treat these accusations seriously and seek guidance from experienced legal representatives to navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively.

At The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC, we fully grasp the significant impact that accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud can have on individuals’ lives. Leveraging our extensive expertise in handling such cases, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and crafting tailored defense strategies to address your specific circumstances. Our commitment goes beyond mere legal representation; we strive to mitigate the long-term repercussions of these charges on your personal and professional future. You can rely on our team to advocate passionately for your rights and diligently pursue the best possible outcome for your case. With our deep understanding of the complexities involved, we are here to guide you through every phase of the legal process with empathy and proficiency.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Birmingham

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 Birmingham Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Birmingham, 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 48th District Court

The 48th District Court is located at 4280 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

The 48th District Court judges are:

Honorable Diane D’Agostini

Honorable Marc Barron

Honorable Kimberly Small

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

Honorable Michael West

We can be reached 24/7 at 888-399-7979 for a free consultation regarding your Birmingham shoplifting or retail fraud case.