Penalties and Defenses to Retail Fraud Defense in the 52-3 District Court

The 52-3 District Court judges handle shoplifting and retail fraud cases out of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills, Michigan. They are tough and routinely order jail time. Few lawyers can consistently achieve extraordinary results.

Your Best Defense to Retail Fraud and Shoplifting Charges

The best retail fraud defense in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills can be found with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., one of Michigan’s top criminal defense law firms. Since 1995, we have represented thousands of clients facing retail fraud, shoplifting, fraud, larceny, and all other theft-related felony and misdemeanor offenses. We stand apart from other law firms in that we take the time to develop strong relationships of trust and understanding with our clients. If you need the best possible defense in Michigan, know that we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for charges to be dropped. We have extensive expertise and an unparalleled track record for achieving lenient sentences, including no jail time and reduced probation periods.

Non-Judgmental Representation Can Be Hard to Find

The 52-3 District Court retail fraud defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C understand Michigan law and the various strategies for defending clients. We also know what causes a person to commit an offense of this nature, impulsively, carelessly, or deliberately. Psychological studies on shoplifting and kleptomania show that most shoplifters are rarely motivated by greed or poverty. Depression, extreme stress, and anxiety are the driving factors in most cases. Our attorneys fight to keep our clients out of jail since we do not feel that individuals struggling with feelings of stress or depression belong behind bars.

False Allegations of Retail Fraud in the 52-3 District Court

People can be falsely accused of shoplifting for a variety of reasons. Misunderstandings or misinterpretations of a person’s actions can lead to false accusations. For example, an individual may be accused if they are seen lingering in a store, frequently handling merchandise, or have a large bag with them. Mistakes can also arise from technological errors or misjudgments from security systems and personnel. Surveillance cameras may not capture footage clearly, leading to inaccurate assessments of a situation, while security tags and alarms may malfunction and trigger falsely.

Additionally, human error plays a significant role; store employees or security guards might misinterpret a situation or jump to conclusions without gathering all the necessary information. Bias and profiling can also contribute, as some individuals might be targeted based on their appearance, clothing, or ethnicity. In some unfortunate cases, false accusations can result from malicious intent, where someone intentionally frames another person for personal reasons or out of spite. Overall, a combination of technical errors, human misjudgment, bias, and potential malice can contribute to false accusations of shoplifting.

Felony and Misdemeanor Charges in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills

What consequences do I face if convicted?

Under the Michigan Penal Code, shoplifters face varying degrees of punishment based on the degree of the crime.

First-degree retail fraud is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and five (5) years of probation.

A second-degree retail fraud conviction is a misdemeanor and can include up to one year of jail time and two (2) years of probation.

Third-degree retail fraud, also a misdemeanor, can carry up to 93 days in jail and up to two (2) years of probation.

For previous convictions and co-occurring criminal offenses, the accused is looking at even more severe consequences. Probation for a retail fraud conviction will include drug and alcohol testing (even if drugs and alcohol played no part in the offense), mental health therapy, an educational program, reporting to a probation officer, community service, travel restrictions, firearm prohibitions, and more. Although many defendants are sentenced to jail terms, incarceration is not mandatory for any retail fraud conviction. A top retail fraud defense attorney in the Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court gives you the best chance of avoiding jail or prison.

What if I’m charged with retail fraud and not a U.S. citizen? Retail fraud and shoplifting are classified as crimes involving moral turpitude under United States immigration law. As a permanent or temporary resident in the United States, when you have a conviction of retail fraud, your immigration status might be impacted. The United States can deport you or declare you inadmissible at the time of return after traveling abroad. Also, a retail fraud conviction in the 52-3 District Court can affect one’s application for naturalization.

What do you get if you hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to defend you?

It is tough to choose a defense lawyer when you face criminal charges, such as retail fraud, in the 52-3 District Court. What is the right price? Who can you trust? Who will be loyal to you? Who will not sell you out? Unless you have a relationship with a defense attorney who has proven themselves to be zealous and trustworthy, hiring the best shoplifting defense lawyer is challenging. It is often helpful to google individual attorneys for reviews and endorsements and to ensure that a lawyer you’re considering specializes in criminal defense. General or multi-practice lawyers can be helpful but are not experts in any field of law. Bargain lawyers are necessary when someone has a limited budget, but someone who seeks a lawyer must remember, “You get what you pay for.” If you work with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., you can expect the following:

Extensive Knowledge of Retail Law and Procedures
Strong Analytical Skills
Excellent Communication Abilities
Attention to Detail
Experience in Handling Similar Cases
Tenacity and Perseverance
Integrity and Honesty
Ability to Stay Calm Under Pressure

Strong Negotiation Skills
Empathy and Understanding towards Clients
Access to Resources and Networks
Innovative Problem-Solving Skills
Persistence in Seeking Evidence and Information
Adaptability to Changing Situations
Commitment to Protecting Clients’ Rights

The Retail Fraud Defense Team for the 52-3 District Court

With care and empathy, we personalize a defense strategy for each client. The defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience successfully defending and protecting individuals charged with retail fraud and shoplifting in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills, Michigan. For the best defense Michigan offers, please get in touch with the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. We will take the time to speak with you, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We look forward to helping 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.