Warren, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Warren, Michigan

In Warren, Michigan, all misdemeanor cases involving shoplifting or retail fraud are addressed at the 37th District Court, while felony cases are escalated to the 16th Circuit Court. Under Michigan’s legal framework, shoplifting is termed as retail fraud. Accusations of retail fraud can significantly tarnish your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota boasts 18 years of experience in handling such cases and stands ready to provide assistance. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, we extend our representation to clients throughout Warren, ensuring their rights are protected when confronting allegations of shoplifting or retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Warren

Allegations of shoplifting and retail fraud stem from actions such as removing items from a store without payment or tampering with price tags to decrease merchandise costs. These charges carry significant consequences, potentially impacting future job opportunities and financial stability, and may result in imprisonment or fines. Having a skilled attorney to navigate you through these allegations is essential. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is dedicated to providing diligent representation in your shoplifting case, striving tirelessly to achieve the best possible

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

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Warren, 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 37th District Court

The 37th District Court is located at 8300 Common Rd, Warren, MI 48093

The 37th District Court judges are:

 Honorable John Chmura

Honorable Suzanne Faunce

Honorable Matthew P. Sabaugh

Honorable Michael C. Chupa