Detroit Metro Airport Retail Fraud Charges

Michigan’s premier retail fraud defense firm. We provide top-notch, experienced defense to any offenses arising on airport property. We have helped countless in-state and out-of-state residents. We are not afraid to win!

What is retail fraud?

Retail fraud can be what is commonly known as shoplifting. However, Michigan’s shoplifting laws encompass more than simply taking items without paying for them. For instance, if a person brings an item into an airport store that he did not purchase and tries to get a “refund” for it, that is a fraudulent act, hence, the name retail fraud. Also, retail fraud occurs when someone takes a price tag off an item and replaces it with a tag from a cheaper item. The commonly known offense of “shoplifting” is included in the retail fraud statute. Experienced lawyers prosecute retail fraud charges from incidents at the Detroit Metro Airport before harsh judges.

Prosecution for Airport Retail Fraud

Several governmental entities (Romulus, State of Michigan, Wayne County, and the federal government) have concurrent jurisdiction over the airport, and their respective police agencies enforce this jurisdiction. The Romulus Police, the Airport Police, a federal Transportation Safety Agency officer, or a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff can arrest someone at the airport. You could face state, local, or federal charges.

Hidden Surveillance and Loss Prevention

Most stores now have sophisticated hidden cameras and live loss-prevention personnel watching shoppers’ every move. If anything, these resources are even more sophisticated at the airport, where absolute state-of-the-art technology is in place. You can assume someone is watching you at every moment you are at the airport because it very well may be true.

Because there is a heightened state of surveillance at the airport, loss prevention officers can misconstrue a customer’s innocent actions. Regardless of whether a client made a mistake or is innocent of all charges, we can help. Even in cases with overwhelming evidence of guilt, the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can frequently get charges dismissed.

Penalties for Retail Fraud at Detroit Metro Airport

The penalties for this offense vary according to the value of the items allegedly stolen. The penalties for stealing, misrepresenting the price of, or fraudulently obtaining a “refund” are:

First Degree: Value of items is $1,000.00 or more, five (5) years in jail, and a $10,000.00 fine or three times the value of the items, whichever is greater;

Second Degree: Value of items is between $200.00 and $1,000.00, 1 year in jail and a $2,000.00 fine or three times the value of the items, whichever is greater;

Third Degree: Value of items is less than $200.00, 93 days jail, and $500.00 or three times the value of the items, whichever is greater.

What do I do if I am arrested?

You should first politely tell the arresting officer that you respectfully decline to make a statement until you have spoken to your lawyer. The arresting officer may appear frustrated by this, but they understand you are making the smart move. And if you remain polite and respectful, they usually have no problem telling the prosecutor they do not object to a generous plea bargain or a dismissal of the charges. The next thing you should do is speak to an experienced defense lawyer. The LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. criminal defense firm, is known to all law enforcement authorities as highly respectable, professional, and reputable. Its attorneys are also known as formidable adversaries. Law enforcement and prosecutors know that we won’t roll over under pressure.

Will I have to return to Michigan for a retail fraud charge at the airport?

You might not have to return to Michigan for a misdemeanor airport charge. Experienced airport defense lawyers know that attorneys can frequently appear alone in court. If the attorney has permission to appear without the client, the attorney will inform the judge and prosecutor that the client waives his right to appear in court. However, not all attorneys know this, and many clients have needlessly come back to attend court in Michigan. Lesson: Hire a defense firm that routinely handles Detroit Metro Airport criminal cases, including retail fraud and shoplifting.

Of course, in more serious felony cases, a defendant usually must appear in court unless the attorney can talk the prosecutor into dropping the charges. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., our primary goal is not just to obtain a good plea bargain but to get the charges dismissed.

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., – Airport Retail Fraud Defense Firm

The dedicated, experienced, and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented many clients accused of felony or misdemeanor charges arising from alleged conduct at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We have a well-earned reputation for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.