Novi, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Novi, Michigan

In Novi, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases related to shoplifting or retail fraud are adjudicated at the 52nd 1st District Court, while felony cases are elevated to the 6th Circuit Court. In the legal context of Michigan, shoplifting is termed as retail fraud. Accusations of retail fraud can significantly mar your personal and professional reputation. 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 extend our representation to clients throughout Novi, ensuring their rights are safeguarded when facing allegations of shoplifting or retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Novi

Charges of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from actions such as taking items from a store without payment or altering price tags to reduce the merchandise’s cost. These charges entail substantial consequences, potentially affecting future employment opportunities and financial stability, and could lead to imprisonment or fines. It’s imperative to have a proficient attorney to navigate these serious allegations. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to offering diligent representation in your shoplifting case, working tirelessly to attain the best possible outcome.

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

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Novi, 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 1st District Court

The 52nd 1st District Court is located at 48150 Grand River Ave #52nd, Novi, MI 48374

The 52nd 1st District Court judges are:

 Honorable Robert Bondy

Honorable Travis Reeds

Honorable David Law.

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 6th 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