What is Retail Fraud in Michigan?
Retail fraud is commonly referred to as shoplifting in Michigan. In other words it stealing things from stores or taking things that don’t belong to you. There are several ways people get in trouble for retail fraud in Michigan that include changing the price tag to make an item less expensive, returning stolen property for a refund or store credit, hiding items in a bag and not paying for them, having employees ignore or look away while you take things, among other ways. The idea is that you are taking things from a store or retail establishment open to the public without paying or paying too little through fraud.
What is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Retail Fraud?
- 1st Degree Retail Fraud – First Degree Retail Fraud is the most serious shoplifting charge in Michigan. This crime alleges that you stole/defrauded the store of items worth over $1,000. This is a felony that is punishable up to five years in prison, and/or carries fines up to $10,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
Here is the link for the first degree retail fraud law: click here.
- 2nd Degree Retail Fraud – Second Degree Retail Fraud is a shoplifting charge in Michigan that alleges you stole/defrauded a store of property worth between $200 and $1,000. This is a misdemeanor punishable up to one year in jail, and/or carries fines up to $2,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
- 3rd Degree Retail Fraud – Third Degree Retail Fraud is the most common shoplifting charge in Michigan. It alleges that you stole/defrauded a store of property worth less than $200. This is a misdemeanor punishable up to 93 days in jail, and/or carries fines up to $500 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
Here is the link for the second and third degree retail fraud laws: click here.
Does HYTA work for Retail Fraud in Michigan?
It is possible to get HYTA for retail fraud or shoplifting in Michigan. There are many factors to determine whether you qualify. The biggest issues are your age at the time of the event, the judge assigned to your case, the prosecutor, your criminal history, and circumstance of what you were accused of doing. I can help you determine if that is an option.
What do you do if you are charged with Retail Fraud in Michigan?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in the area you were charged. An experienced retail fraud lawyer will know how the court, prosecutor, and judges operate in that court. This can have a huge impact on your case. I regularly represent people accused of shoplifting in Michigan and know what to do in this situation, providing you an aggressive defense.
It doesn’t matter if you got caught at Walmart, JCPenney, Meijer, or a mom and pop shop, they will call the police and you will most likely get charged. Call me if you are charged with retail fraud in Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Milan, Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester, Jackson, Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville, Plymouth, Belleville, Northville, or in the surrounding Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee Counties. I am experienced theft defense lawyer always looking out for my client’s best interests.
