Wayne County Retail Fraud Defense Attorneys

Retail fraud, also known as shoplifting, is a common charge in Michigan. Most people charged with retail fraud are good, honest people who acted thoughtlessly or out of character.

Retail Fraud is Generally Not a Crime of Dishonesty

It is a myth that people who shoplift must have poor character or are dishonest. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience and success with Wayne County retail fraud defense. We know that most individuals charged with or arrested for retail fraud or shoplifting are good, honest people who’ve made a mistake, had a lapse in judgment, or were falsely accused. We find that many of the clients we defend:

• employed or running a home,
• educated (many with college and professional degrees),
• have adequate resources to pay for the merchandise,
• have minimal or no prior criminal history,
• are under high stress or anxiety, and
• are not good at sharing feelings or responsibilities with others.

Fighting to Protect and Defend Clients with Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges in Wayne County

While representing countless clients over the past several decades, the defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have almost universally found clients charged with shoplifting are good, honorable people who made a one-time mistake. A distracted or stressed person can mistakenly take something from a store or pass a cash register without realizing it. Harsh sentences, such as jail, do nothing to help defendants in this position. A top Wayne County retail fraud defense attorney will do whatever is necessary to ensure a client is treated fairly and not unduly penalized. The Wayne County lawyer’s job is to persuade a judge at a sentencing hearing to focus on rehabilitation, not punishment.

Defenses to Retail Fraud Charges in Wayne County

Many retail fraud felony and misdemeanor charges result from misunderstandings or loss prevention officers who misinterpret a situation. People are not perfect and can easily make simple mistakes. For example, a woman in a store may inadvertently place her purse on a small item and not realize it is there when she checks out of the store. Every case is different, and if you call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation, our Wayne County retail fraud defense lawyers will take the time to listen to your version of the incident, answer all of your questions, and address each of your concerns. We will work with you to develop a winning strategy. A person who makes a genuine mistake while in a store is not guilty of Retail Fraud.

What is Retail Fraud in Wayne County, Michigan?

Retail Fraud, or shoplifting, is probably not exactly what you might think. Retail Fraud includes stealing merchandise from a store that is offered for sale to the general public; however, “stealing” is broadly defined. Under Michigan law, stealing includes moving an item with the intent to deprive a store of an item’s full purchase price. Any movement is enough. An attempt to leave the store is not necessary for Retail Fraud. Additionally, changing a price tag would constitute retail fraud as well. Regardless of whether the allegations against you are true, your best hope of avoiding jail and a conviction is with experienced, respected Wayne County retail fraud defense attorneys.

Penalties for Retail Fraud in Wayne County, Michigan

There are various types and degrees of retail fraud in Michigan, including the following:

• Retail Fraud First Degree is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and years on probation.

• Retail Fraud, Second Degree, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and two (2) years of probation.

• Retail Fraud in the Third Degree is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and two (2) years on probation.

Michigan enacted the Organized Retail Fraud law to discourage people from stealing from stores and reselling stolen merchandise. Organized Retail Fraud is a felony carrying up to five (5) years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both. In most cases, organized retail shoplifting involves people working together to steal merchandise to resell for profit. The Wayne County retail fraud defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. will work tirelessly to get your charges dismissed, if possible.

How to Avoid a Conviction and Jail

Wayne County judges and prosecutors operate on the assumption that anyone charged with retail fraud is a thief who needs punishment. This assumption is most frequently not accurate. A top retail fraud defense attorney will need to take the time to learn about their client so they can help a judge or prosecutor understand that the individual is not a thief or a dishonest person. It takes a Wayne County retail fraud defense lawyer with a solid reputation to convince a judge that their client made a genuine mistake or that an incident may have been stress-induced instead of an act of greed. If the attorney can persuade the prosecutor, getting charges dismissed or reduced may be possible. Although many people are incarcerated for Retail Fraud in Michigan, a veteran defense specialist can frequently convince a judge not to order jail time.

If the judge grants you probation, you will want to carefully review the terms and conditions of probation supervision. A slight deviation or oversight can result in a probation violation in Wayne County. If your probation is violated, you face the same maximum sentence for the original offense.

Retail Fraud and Immigration

When someone who is not a United States citizen, such as a resident alien, Green Card holder, or someone on a work or school visa, is convicted of retail fraud, there are likely immigration consequences. Under immigration laws, Retail Fraud is considered a crime of “moral turpitude,” which can trigger deportation or prevent someone from obtaining U.S. citizenship. In these cases, it is critical to have a Wayne County retail fraud defense lawyer who is highly familiar with all possible defenses and the various ways to avoid a conviction.

Your Best Defense to Retail Fraud in Wayne County

The Wayne County retail fraud defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience successfully defending clients charged with felony and misdemeanor retail fraud. We have a team of lawyers who collaborate on every case and work with defense experts in these matters, such as psychologists and former loss prevention officers. Our Wayne County criminal defense lawyers have an unparalleled track record of winning these cases, persuading prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, and achieving sentences without jail or prison. If you work with our firm, you can expect a prompt return of calls and emails. We are not afraid to win and will do everything possible to achieve the best result in your case.

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!

Wayne County Circuit and District Courts

The Wayne County Retail Fraud Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. routinely defends clients in the following Wayne County courts: