Southfield, Michigan Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Southfield, Michigan

In Southfield, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are addressed at the 46th District Court, while felony cases are elevated to the 6th Circuit Court. Within the legal framework of Michigan, shoplifting is referred to as retail fraud. Accusations of retail fraud can significantly damage your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota possesses 18 years of experience in handling such cases and is prepared to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we offer our representation to clients throughout Southfield, ensuring their rights are safeguarded when facing allegations of shoplifting or retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Southfield

Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud arise from actions like taking items from a store without payment or altering price tags to reduce merchandise costs. These charges entail serious repercussions, potentially affecting future job opportunities and financial stability, and could lead to imprisonment or fines. Having a proficient attorney to guide you through these allegations is essential. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to delivering diligent representation in your shoplifting case, working tirelessly to attain the best possible outcome.

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

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Southfield, 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 46th District Court

The 46th District Court is located at 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076

The 46th District Court judges are:

 Honorable Shelia R. Johnson

Honorable Debra Nance

Honorable Cynthia M. Arvant

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