Charge of Retail Fraud Dismissed in Macomb County, Michigan

Retail Fraud Defense in Macomb County – Case Dismissed in the 37th District Court in the City of Warren!

Retail Fraud Defense Attorneys Getting Charges Dismissed

Michigan’s premier criminal defense law firm, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., strikes again with a dismissal of retail fraud charges in Macomb County. The cases were in the 37th District Court in Warren, Michigan.

Our client, a current medical student, was charged with retail fraud in the 37th District Court. Although our client is honest, a fantastic student, and comes from a strong, successful family, he was under incredible pressure. As we have found with countless clients in the past, successful, honest, hard-working, and intelligent people get involved in retail fraud cases when they are under incredible stress and have difficulty coping with their situation.

Through creative thinking, powerful negotiating, and persuasive advocacy, we got the prosecutor to agree to a dismissal of all charges and convinced the judge to enter the Order for Dismissal.

Recognized Lawyer Handling Retail Fraud Defense in Macomb County

The team of retail fraud defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully handled over one thousand retail fraud felony and misdemeanor cases in Macomb County and Southeastern Michigan. We are well known and respected for doing whatever is necessary to maximize our client’s chances of obtaining a dismissal and ensure they do not serve time in jail. The Macomb County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony retail fraud cases, and the various district courts handle misdemeanors.

Avoiding Jail and a Conviction When Charged with Retail Fraud

Most instances of retail fraud are not motivated by greed or dishonesty. In almost every instance of retail fraud in Macomb County, the accused person is educated, has little or no criminal history, has a good family, was under severe stress or anxiety, and didn’t feel they could or should discuss their feelings with family or friends. In these cases, taking the merchandise was not premeditated; it was impulsive, thoughtless, or a genuine mistake. Although a prosecutor and judge may be inclined to focus on punishment, including jail time, an experienced retail fraud defense lawyer can turn the tables and persuade the government to consider rehabilitation or dismiss charges.

Macomb County Retail Fraud Penalty

There are three degrees or levels of retail fraud offenses in Macomb County. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the merchandise allegedly stolen and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

1st-degree retail fraud is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison, five (5) years probation, and a $10,000 fine. First-Degree Retail Fraud can be charged where:

The value of the stolen property offered for sale is $1,000 or more; or
The value of the stolen property offered for sale is $200 or more but less than $1,000 with a prior retail fraud conviction.

2nd-degree retail fraud is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, two (2) years probation, and a $2,000 fine. Second-Degree Retail Fraud can be charged where:

The value of the stolen property offered for sale is $200 or more but less than $1,000; or
The value of the stolen property offered for sale is less than $200, with a prior retail fraud conviction.

3rd-degree retail fraud is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, two (2) years probation, and a $500 fine. Third-Degree Retail Fraud occurs when the value of the stolen property offered for sale is less than $200 and the person has no prior retail fraud convictions.

Indirect Consequences of a Retail Fraud Conviction

In addition to the possibility of jail, probation, and fines, there are other significant consequences of a retail fraud conviction in Macomb County, Michigan. Although people commonly refer to the offense as “shoplifting,” the charge that the Michigan State Police enter on someone’s criminal history is retail fraud. “Fraud” implies dishonesty. A conviction can cause someone to lose employment or the ability to advance in a career. Additional collateral consequences of a conviction include a damaged reputation, marital issues, immigration consequences such as deportation, custody disputes, loss of civil rights, inability to obtain loans or grants, and damaged credit.

It is best to consult with a qualified retail fraud defense attorney who routinely practices in Macomb County, such as the attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., to find out how a retail fraud conviction might impact you and your career, family, education, and residency status.

Free Consultation for Retail Fraud Charges

The defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience successfully defending thousands of clients charged with retail fraud and other theft-related felony and misdemeanor charges. They have an unparalleled track record of achieving dismissals and lenient sentences in the Macomb County Circuit Court and various district courts. If you call us for a free consultation, we will take the time to hear your version of what happened, answer all your questions, and address your concerns.

If you retain LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to protect and defend you, you will have a team of lawyers, paralegals, and experts who will collaborate and work together to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

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.