Troy Retail Fraud Defense Attorney for the 52-4 District Court

If you face Retail Fraud charges in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, you need a top Troy Retail Fraud Defense Attorney to help you avoid a conviction and jail time.

Retail Fraud Charges in the City of Troy

Retail fraud or shoplifting charges in the City of Troy can be either felony or misdemeanor charges. The Oakland County Prosecutor, Troy City Attorney, or the Clawson City Attorney can file misdemeanor charges in the 52-4 District Court. The City Attorney prosecutes retail fraud charges based on violations of the city’s retail fraud and shoplifting ordinances. A Troy Retail Fraud Defense Attorney works on your behalf to give you the best chance of not being convicted of retail fraud and to keep you out of jail.

There are three (3) types of retail fraud charges in Michigan.

First Degree Retail Fraud

First-degree retail fraud is a felony. A retail fraud first-degree occurs when a person does any of the following:

A person in a retail store that alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent not to pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price when the resulting difference is over $1,000;

Steals or attempts to steal an item from the store priced at $1,000 or more; or

If a person, with intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of the property to be obtained is $1,000 or more.

Retail Fraud – Frist Degree carries a maximum possible prison sentence of up to 5 years and a potential fine of either $10,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.

Second Degree Retail Fraud

Second-degree retail fraud is the same as first-degree, except that the value of the item, property, money, or goods is more than $200.00 and less than $1,000.00. Retail fraud in the second degree is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 1 year in jail and up to 2 years of probation. An offense with a value of goods less than $200.00 can be charged as Retail Fraud – Second Degree if the defendant has a prior conviction.

Third Degree Retail Fraud

A first-degree retail fraud charge is a misdemeanor carrying up to 93 days in jail and up to 2 years of probation. This charge is for offenses with a value of retail goods or property valued under $200.00. The 52-4 District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over second and third-degree retail fraud charges in Troy and Clawson.

Depending on where you are charged with a retail fraud crime, and the type of retail fraud crime, there are different consequences, and the legal process for shoplifting can differ.

Defenses Against Retail Fraud and Shoplifting Charges in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan

Retail fraud allegations can be defended with law, facts, and equity. A legal defense might be that the accused was illegally searched or a confession was obtained unlawfully. A factual defense might be that the defendant did not intend to steal or made a genuine mistake. Equitable defenses are based on a defendant’s lack of criminal history, employment record, positive reputation, personal hardships, or other positive attributes. A skilled retail fraud defense lawyer, such as those with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., will know the best defenses to seek dismissal of charges, a generous plea bargain, or a lenient sentence (such as one without jail or probation, if possible).

Consequences for Retail Fraud Convictions in Troy, Michigan

Jail, prison, and extensive probation are potentially severe consequences for a retail fraud conviction. The secondary consequences are often worse and rarely discussed by courts, prosecutors, and defense lawyers. A retail fraud conviction can result in loss of employment or the inability to get a job or a promotion. Potential employers look at retail fraud charges, even misdemeanors, as a bar to employment in any well-paying job. Retail fraud can be used against you in court relative to child custody matters and lower your credit scores. A felony retail fraud may result in your inability to own a firearm or vote. A conviction for retail fraud should be avoided at all costs, and the great criminal defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., who frequently practice in the 52-4 District Court, give you your best chances!

Deportation or Inability to Re-Enter the United States

All three Michigan shoplifting charges can trigger immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens. It takes an exceptional lawyer to successfully fight for the dismissal of retail fraud charges. Retail fraud is not a trivial charge, as many assume, and could have devastating effects on your future. If you are not a citizen of the United States, a retail fraud conviction could trigger deportation because this offense is considered a “crime of moral turpitude.” Do not hesitate to hire a Troy Retail Fraud Defense Attorney and start building a defense.

Your Best Defense to Retail Fraud Charges in Troy, Michigan

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience successfully defending clients with felony and misdemeanor retail fraud charges in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan. Every case is defensible in one way or the other if a lawyer is willing to fight to protect the client. We will treat you with respect and dignity and will not let you down! Most importantly, we have an unparalleled track record of success, and we are ready, willing, and able to put the full power of our team behind 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.