Southfield Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges in Michigan

Retail theft is a serious crime that can have serious consequences. The crime of shoplifting, or retail theft, is the illegal taking of property from a retail establishment without paying for it. Retail theft is a type of larceny, and larceny is a type of theft crime. Theft crimes are classified as either misdemeanor or felony crimes depending on the circumstances of the theft. If you have been charged with shoplifting, you need to contact an experienced Southfield shoplifting defense attorney as soon as possible. A conviction for retail theft can result in serious penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Without a skilled attorney fighting for you, you could end up with a permanent criminal record that could affect your life for years to come.

Understanding Michigan's Retail Theft Charges

Retail theft is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the theft. Misdemeanor retail theft includes the theft of property with a value of $200 or less. Felony retail theft includes the theft of property with a value of $1,000 or more, or the theft of dangerous drugs, firearms, or other controlled substances. It is also a felony to steal property from a retail establishment by using force, coercion, or deception.

There are also special circumstances that can make a retail theft charge a felony. These circumstances include the theft of a firearm, theft by a person who has previously been convicted of a theft crime, theft by a person who has a prior conviction for a violent crime, and theft by a person who is a habitual offender.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Michigan

A person convicted of misdemeanor shoplifting in Michigan faces up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. A person convicted of felony shoplifting faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. A person convicted of either a misdemeanor or a felony shoplifting charge will also face mandatory restitution to the retail establishment for the value of the stolen property. A person convicted of shoplifting will also have a permanent criminal record. A permanent criminal record can make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, and education loans. A permanent criminal record can also make it difficult to obtain professional licenses and permits.

Why You Need Our Skilled Southfield Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

 Without a skilled attorney fighting for you, you could end up with a conviction and a permanent criminal record that could affect your life for years to come. A conviction for shoplifting can also result in mandatory restitution to the retail establishment for the value of the stolen property. Without a skilled attorney fighting for you, you could end up with a conviction and a permanent criminal record that could affect your life for years to come. A conviction for shoplifting can also result in mandatory restitution to the retail establishment for the value of the stolen property. Without a skilled attorney fighting for you, you could end up with a conviction and a permanent criminal record that could affect your life for years to come.

Contact us Today

If you have been charged with retail theft, you need to contact an experienced Southfield shoplifting defense attorney as soon as possible. Retain The Law Office of Jeff Perlman as your defense attorney. Attorney Perlman has been practicing law for more than 20 years, and he has experience defending clients from all types of theft charges, including shoplifting.

Contact The Law Office of Jeff Perlman today at (248) 290-8099 for a free case evaluation. Attorney Perlman will review the details of your case and explain your legal options to you.