Is Shoplifting a serious crime?

Shoplifting, known as Retail Fraud in Michigan, is a serious crime with direct and indirect consequences. In addition to the possibility of jail and probation, a conviction can have a significant impact on your future.

You’ve been caught shoplifting…

Judges and prosecutors will show little mercy and will proceed in prosecuting your case to the fullest extent. One place you won’t find judgment is with the defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., a Michigan-based law firm that has successfully represented countless clients facing shoplifting and retail fraud charges. The attorneys have worked with many clients who struggle with what is, in some cases, a full-blown shoplifting addiction and others who made a mistake as a result of extreme stress or anxiety. With empathy and understanding, we fight as hard as possible on behalf of our clients to have charges dropped and help clients avoid excessive fines, potential jail time, damaged reputations, and loss of employment or professional licensure. If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, you must understand that your situation is serious, but there is hope that the matter can be resolved without jail or an impact on your future.

How serious is my retail fraud charge?

A shoplifting charge is serious because the consequences can linger years after the arrest and conviction. Most people arrested for retail fraud are not criminals who belong behind bars but are individuals who are seeking a way to cope with difficult emotions. Difficulties with family, work, or life, in general, is what drives some individuals to other vices like gambling or drugs. Some individuals shoplift to deal with stress, and some simply like the high of getting away with it. Either way, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can help the client avoid the consequences of a conviction in many cases and help the client to prevent similar problems in the future.

Many factors impact your case. The county or city where the offense occurred can make a difference because some courts tend to be more punitive than others. The value of the stolen property affects the severity of the situation as well. Shoplifting property with a value of less than $200 has different ramifications than allegedly taking property valued at more than $200 (second-degree retail fraud) or more than $1000 (a felony). In shoplifting cases, there tends to be a lot of grey areas, which is why hiring a superior, experienced legal team that has represented folks who have stood in your place to defend you is imperative.

Highly Experienced and Successful Retail Fraud Defense Lawyers in Michigan

If this is the first time you stand charged with a nonviolent crime, like shoplifting, you may qualify for a diversion program, which can help you avoid jail time and a serious black stain on your criminal record. If a diversion is not possible for you, an experienced lawyer with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. will know how to negotiate a plea bargain that will help lessen the severity of your sentence or keep the conviction from appearing on your public record. If you are innocent, we can fight for a dismissal or an acquittal at trial.

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.