Sylvan Lake Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Sylvan Lake

In Sylvan Lake, Michigan, all misdemeanor shoplifting or retail fraud cases are handled at the 48th District Court, while felony cases are referred to the 6th Circuit Court. Legally referred to as retail fraud in Michigan, facing such charges can have a significant impact on your personal and professional standing. Thankfully, our top-rated attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in dealing with these cases and is prepared to offer assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of clients throughout Sylvan Lake who are accused of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Sylvan Lake, Michigan

Accusations of shoplifting and retail fraud stem from theft, which includes activities like altering price tags to acquire items at a reduced cost. These charges carry significant weight and require the expertise of a highly skilled attorney specializing in shoplifting and retail fraud. Shoplifting allegations can jeopardize future employment prospects and financial stability, potentially leading to imprisonment or fines. At The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, we are committed to vigorously advocating for your shoplifting case to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Sylvan Lake

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 Sylvan Lake Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs the best shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Sylvan Lake, Michigan, our five-star rated 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.

Top Criminal Defense 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

Best Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 6th Circuit Court

The 6^th Circuit Court is located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341

If you are trying to reach the best shoplifting or retail fraud attorney near Sylvan Lake, Michigan, we can be reached 24/7 at 888-399-7979 for a free consultation.