Retail Fraud Defense in the 52-3 District Court
When choosing an attorney to protect and defend you on shoplifting charges, you should prioritize experience and track record. In Michigan, shoplifting is called Retail Fraud
A retail fraud conviction in Rochester Hills can severely affect your record and future
You need reputable, aggressive, trustworthy legal representation if you are accused of shoplifting charges in the Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court. Your best choice is LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. Our attorneys offer the best shoplifting defense in Rochester Hills. You will be hard-pressed to find another law firm providing the time, attention, reputation, and effectiveness. We employ various strategies to protect our clients, fighting for a lesser sentence and dropped charges. Our attorneys have been nationally recognized for successfully representing clients facing shoplifting and similar charges. We have a well-known and highly regarded track record for getting these charges dismissed.
What is shoplifting or retail fraud?
Many narrowly define shoplifting charges or retail fraud as stealing items from a retail store by hiding them in our bags or clothing. The crime of shoplifting, retail fraud in Michigan, encompasses much more. Shoplifting charges in Rochester Hills also include switching price tags to pay less for an item and returning stolen goods in exchange for cash. While it may not seem like an egregious crime, shoplifting leads to criminal prosecution and can result in jail time, years of probation, employment problems, immigration issues, and more.
Retail fraud occurs when someone is in a store and alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or otherwise misrepresents the price of property offered for sale to the public with the intent not to pay or to pay less than the full price of the merchandise.
False and Exaggerated Allegations of Shoplifting in Rochester Hills
Our attorneys often see clients charged in Rochester Hills with retail fraud or shoplifting for leaving a store without realizing they had store property. These misunderstandings are common; however, the security personnel at the stores rarely accept legitimate explanations and assume the worst. The Retail Fraud Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. gives our clients the necessary credibility to be heard. Examples of accidental situations that might lead to false allegations of retail fraud:
- malfunctioning cash registers or self-scanners,
- accidentally covering and losing track of a small item in a shopping cart,
- failing to realize an item didn’t register on a self-scanner when checking out,
- trying on a piece of jewelry or clothing and forgetting to remove it,
- leaving a store in an extremely stressful moment and failing to realize payment wasn’t made, and
- selecting an item that was mistagged or wrongfully priced by store employees who will not admit their mistake.
How To Defend Against Shoplifting Charges in the 52-3 District Court
Top defense attorneys in Rochester Hills typically employ several general strategies when defending clients against shoplifting charges. Here are some common approaches used by the Team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.:
- Challenging the Evidence: This is the cornerstone of many defenses. The attorney may question the quality, authenticity, or relevance of the evidence presented against their client. For example, they might argue that the surveillance footage is too grainy to conclusively identify the defendant, that part of the recording is missing, or that something important was not captured in the footage.
- Establishing Lack of Intent: To be guilty of shoplifting, a person typically must have the intent to steal. If a defense attorney can argue that the defendant inadvertently walked out of the store without paying, it could potentially result in the charges being dropped. To secure a conviction, a prosecutor must prove the defendant intended to steal beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mistaken Identity: The attorney might argue that the client wasn’t the actual perpetrator, especially in cases where identification is based on eyewitness accounts, which are sometimes unreliable.
- Procedure Violations: If the store or police violated the defendant’s rights at any point during the detention, arrest, or subsequent procedures, the attorney might be able to get evidence thrown out or even get the entire case dismissed. For example, if a suspect is in custody and questioned by police, they must receive their Miranda Warnings. The Court must suppress inculpatory statements in violation of Miranda.
- Diversion Programs: Some jurisdictions offer diversion programs for youthful defendants, first-time offenders, or those with minimal records. These programs might involve the defendant attending educational courses, performing community service, or other actions instead of prosecution. Once completed, shoplifting charges in Rochester Hills could be dropped or removed from public records.
- Negotiating a Plea: Sometimes, the best strategy is to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or a lighter sentence, especially if the evidence against the defendant is strong. The defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have an unparalleled track record of negotiating favorable resolutions, even when it seems there is no hope.
- Emphasizing a Positive Record: If the defendant has no prior criminal history and is a contributing member of society, the attorney might highlight this to argue for leniency from the judge.
- Questioning Witness Credibility: If the case relies heavily on a witness, the defense might look into their background or potential biases to challenge their credibility. Our attorneys work with many of the top experts and investigators in the United States. If there is information that can be helpful to our client, we will find it.
Top defense attorneys will typically begin by thoroughly reviewing all evidence, interviewing their client, and understanding the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged shoplifting incident. From there, they will tailor a defense strategy that best aligns with the facts and seeks to provide the most favorable outcome for their client. If you or someone you know is facing such charges, it’s essential to consult with a respected, experienced defense lawyer right away.
Why should I hire an attorney for shoplifting charges in Rochester Hills?
Many first-time offenders wrongly assume their first offense will be met with leniency from the court. Retail fraud is also known as shoplifting. Shoplifting is taken seriously in the 52-3 District Court in Michigan. We do not recommend facing charges with court-appointed or inexperienced lawyers or lawyers handling multiple areas of the law. You need a specialist to obtain the best possible result! With LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. representing you in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills, we will get an accurate and detailed account of what happened, finding weak spots in the prosecution’s case to support a lesser punishment or dropped charges altogether. Using police reports, witness statements, audio and video records, and sometimes experts, a seasoned attorney knows how to strategize a defense that will clear your name, keep you out of jail, and potentially keep a shoplifting conviction off your record.
The best shoplifting defense in Rochester Hills, Michigan
It would be best to have had an experienced and well-versed attorney to find holes in the prosecution’s case and identify moments in the legal process where your rights may have been violated. In all cases, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. will fight to get charges dismissed or reduced and for the most lenient sentence possible. A criminal conviction carries steep consequences that can jeopardize future employment and be a black stain on your legal record and reputation. Often, these consequences can be avoided. For the best shoplifting defense in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills, Michigan, look no further than LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C.
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.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
Rochester Hills, Michigan, and the 52-3 District Court
Rochester Hills is a city in Oakland County, Michigan, located on the northern outskirts of the Detroit Metropolitan area. The city is known for its suburban character, quality schools, parks, and diverse retail options. Additionally, Rochester Hills is home to several industries, and its proximity to Detroit makes it a desirable location for many who work in the metropolitan area.
The 52-3 District Court serves Rochester Hills, among other regions. This court is widely known to be one of Michigan’s most harsh and conservative. The Court is located at 700 Barclay Cir, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Here’s an overview:
- The 52-3 District Court has jurisdiction over several communities in addition to Rochester Hills, including Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, the city of Rochester, and the Village of Lake Orion.
- Like other district courts in Michigan, the 52-3 District Court handles a variety of legal matters:
- Misdemeanor Criminal Cases: Offenses punishable by up to one year in jail, including Shoplifting (Retail Fraud) 2nd and 3rd Degree.
- Preliminary Examinations in Felony Cases: The court oversees preliminary stages for felonies, which are more serious crimes, including Retail Fraud 1st Degree. If there’s substantial evidence, the case moves to the Oakland County Circuit Court.
- Civil Cases: The court hears civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000, small claims matters, and landlord-tenant disputes.
- Traffic and Parking Violations: This includes citations for offenses like speeding, parking infractions, and other traffic-related issues.
- Location: The 52-3 District Court is located in Rochester Hills, making it convenient for city residents and neighboring communities to access legal services and attend hearings.
