Retail Fraud, otherwise known as shoplifting or theft, is a very common first offense for an offender. Often times, people can not even explain why they committed this crime. If you have been charged with Michigan Retail Fraud, it does not make you a bad person. Being charged with retail fraud can be embarrassing, and puts your integrity at question. When being charged with retail fraud, it is important to understand what you are being charged with and what the consequences are.
What is Michigan Retail Fraud?
To understand what you are being charged with, you must first understand what retail fraud is. In Michigan Retail Fraud is the stealing of property from a store during store hours. There are several different acts that can be considered retail fraud, some of these acts include:
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Taking property from a store without paying for it
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Price tag switching
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Assisting another person in taking property without paying for it
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Utilizing an employee to take property without paying full price for it
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Fraudulently using gift cards
What are the penalties for Michigan Retail Fraud?
In Michigan there are 3 degrees of retail fraud, or shoplifting.
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It is considered Third Degree Retail Fraud in Michigan if the value of the property is below $200. This crime is punishable with up to 93 days in jail plus fines and costs and up to 2 years probation.
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It is considered Second Degree Retail Fraud in Michigan if the value of the property is between $200-$1,000. This misdemeanor crime is punishable with up to 1 year in jail plus fines and costs and up to 2 years probation.
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It is considered First Degree Retail Fraud in Michigan if the value of the property is over $1,000. This is a felony crime punishable with up to 5 years in jail, fines of up to $10,000 or 3 times the property value, whichever is greater, and up to 5 years probation.
Although retail fraud, shoplifting, or theft are common crimes, being charged with this crime can still be damaging to your future. This is why it is important to hire a criminal attorney who specializes in criminal cases like retail fraud. Mr. Maze has 20 years of experience defending criminal cases and knows how to get you the best possible outcome. If you or someone you know has been charged with retail fraud in Michigan, call Mr. Maze today at 734-941-8800.