Port Huron, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Port Huron, Michigan

In Port Huron, all misdemeanor shoplifting or retail fraud cases are heard at the 72nd District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 31st Circuit Court. Retail fraud, commonly known as shoplifting in Michigan, carries significant implications for both personal and professional reputations. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julien J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in handling these cases and is prepared to offer assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of clients throughout Port Huron who are facing accusations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Port Huron

Shoplifting and retail fraud charges, stemming from theft acts such as price tag switching, are not to be taken lightly. Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, they can have profound and lasting effects on various aspects of your life. Employment opportunities may be hindered, and financial prospects jeopardized. Moreover, the specter of potential jail time or fines looms large.

At The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, we understand the seriousness of these charges and the complexities involved. With our extensive experience in handling such cases, we are committed to providing steadfast advocacy and strategic defense tailored to your specific circumstances. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal process effectively but also to mitigate the impact of these charges on your future. You can trust us to diligently advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for your shoplifting case

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Port Huron

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 Port Huron Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Port Huron, 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 72nd District Court

The 72nd District Court is located at 201 McMorran boulevard, Port Huron, MI 48060

The 72nd District Court judges are:

Honorable Mona Armstong

Honorable Michael Hulewicz

Honorable Daniel Kelly

Honorable John Monaghan

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 31st Circuit Court

The 31st Circuit Court is located at 201 McMorran Blvd. Port Huron, MI 48060

The 31st Circuit Court judges are:

Honorable Daniel Kelly

Honorable Cynthia Lane

Honorable Michael West

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