Michigan Retail Fraud Attorneys
Degrees Of Michigan Retail Fraud
Shoplifting, removing merchandise from a store without paying for it, is just one type of retail fraud. Any means of theft or attempted theft from a retail establishment that involves fraudulent behavior can also fall under this definition. Examples are trying to get a refund for items that were not purchased at the store, switching price tags on merchandise to try to purchase items for a reduced price, or collaboration with an employee to defraud a retail establishment of funds due them, such as an employee not entering sales for food or drink orders purchased.
Friedman Law Firm has served as a criminal defense lawyer for individuals charged with all of these types of Michigan retail fraud, from the smallest item accidentally carried out of a store to much more complex cases. A conviction for retail fraud can have far-reaching consequences. It can affect a person’s employability and their financial options. The more severe the charges, the more significant the impact on a person’s life circumstances.
Three Degrees of Retail Fraud Under Michigan Law
In the state of Michigan, there are three degrees or levels of retail fraud charges. Each degree of retail fraud is defined by the property value involved. The higher the property value, the more severe the penalty. Friedman Law Firm will work on your behalf to defend your rights in the court system. If you have been charged with any of the three degrees of retail fraud, you will want our experienced criminal lawyers working on your behalf to protect you from potential jail time and financial fines.
- Third-Degree Retail Fraud is the least serious charge. This is the typical charge for shoplifting small items under $200 in value. A conviction for Third-Degree Retail Fraud is considered a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan and is punishable with up to 93 days of jail time, in addition to fines.
- Second-Degree Retail Fraud is also a misdemeanor charge but can result in a jail sentence of up to one year if convicted, along with fines of up to $2,000. The value of the property theft for a Second-Degree charge is between $200 and $1,000.
- First-Degree Retail Fraud is a felony charge, the most serious of the three. This charge is associated with merchandise that has a total value of over $1,000. There is a potential of a jail sentence for up to five years and fines of up to $5,000 if convicted.
Call Our Michigan Retail Fraud Lawyers For Help
Don’t feel that you are the mercy of the retail establishment. Even the smallest charge of retail fraud can have devastating effects. Trust your Michigan retail fraud case to our Retail Fraud Lawyers at Friedman Law Firm. Call us immediately for sound legal counsel and defense at 248-932-0900.