Theft

Flint Theft Attorney

Helping Clients Get the Results They Need

Theft and larceny offenses are charged in many different ways in Michigan. Generally defined, theft involves taking another person’s property without their permission and with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property. Depending upon the value of property stolen, an offender may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Theft may also include stealing intellectual property and identity fraud.

A theft conviction can cause serious problems. An individual convicted of theft in Michigan can face jail time, legal fees, and a criminal record that could haunt them for years to come. To make matters worse, navigating the criminal justice system can be complicated and overwhelming. Whether you are facing first-degree retail fraud, auto theft, or another serious crime, you deserve help from an experienced attorney who is unafraid to fight for you.

Contact the compassionate, knowledgeable legal team at Clint W. Perryman PC for excellent counsel and aggressive legal representation. We understand how Michigan laws affect theft and property crime cases, and we will put that knowledge to work to get you the results you need. Call 810-498-2370 now to speak with our dedicated team and see what we can do for you.

What Are Michigan’s Theft Laws?

Understanding the reasoning behind your criminal charges can help you create a powerful defense. Your first priority should be to speak with a criminal defense attorney like Clint W. Perryman to learn what your charges mean and how to fight them.

Some common examples of theft charges in Michigan include:

  • Auto theft – Auto theft includes joyriding, carjacking, and grand theft auto. Anytime you take or use a car without the owner’s permission, whether or not they are present in the vehicle, you risk severe legal repercussions. Call our law firm immediately for help avoiding this devastating criminal charge.
  • White-collar crimes – Another common form of theft in Michigan is white-collar crime, which is an act of fraud that takes place without violence. If you are being accused of using a position of power to embezzle funds or defraud someone else, you are facing a white-collar crime.
  • Shoplifting charges – Shoplifting charges are another form of theft that commonly occurs in Flint, MI. Whether you accidentally forgot to scan an item in your shopping cart or gave in to the temptation to steal, you need a criminal defense lawyer to back you up.
  • Larceny – Stealing someone else’s property is known as larceny and can lead to catastrophic penalties.
  • Breaking and entering and/or home invasion (dwelling is involved) are also commonly charged and occur when a person breaks and enters a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a felony or larceny once inside. These charges present some of the most severe penalties an individual can face in Michigan and require the swift attention of skilled and experienced practitioners to help you fight these types of theft charges.

All of the above and other theft-related crimes can lead to serious consequences if they are not handled with care. Whether you are accused of petty theft or grand theft auto, you need immediate legal counsel and representation from a confident criminal defense lawyer. Contact our law group for help facing the above and related property crimes.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Michigan?

The penalties for a criminal conviction depend on the severity of the crime. For theft cases, penalties are usually based on the value of the stolen goods. Specific penalties that may be enforced for a theft conviction will vary from case to case and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Your crime will likely be classified into a range of categories, such as first-degree retail fraud, second-degree retail fraud, and third-degree retail fraud. Consulting with your lawyer is the best way to understand the severity of your charges and get help fighting a conviction.

Listed below are some basic penalties for larceny in Michigan, based on the value of the property:

  • Less than $200 – up to 93 days in jail/fines of up to $500
  • $200 to less than $1,000 – up to one year in jail/fines of up to $2,000
  • $1,000 to less than $20,000 – up to five years in prison/fines of up to $10,000
  • $20,000 and up – up to 10 years in prison/fines of up to $15,000

Please note that the fines imposed upon sentencing for a theft crime may be up to three times the value of the property taken if this is greater than the maximum fine that may otherwise be enforced. Our property crimes lawyer has extensive experience helping defend clients against theft and property crimes. We are highly skilled in theft crimes and other practice areas. Please call us immediately to learn more about how to fight your misdemeanor or felony theft crime charges.

Can I Get My Theft Charges Reduced or Dismissed?

At Clint W. Perryman PC, we understand that many theft crimes are based on misunderstandings or even deliberate misinformation. We also know that people who make a mistake and commit a crime deserve to have excellent criminal defense attorneys fighting for them. Please take your charges seriously and contact a criminal defense law firm right away. Your best hope of getting your charges reduced or dismissed is having adequate legal representation.

Some potential defenses that can be used in theft crime cases include:

  • Lack of intent – If you did not intend to steal the property permanently, your charges could be lowered or dismissed.
  • Mistaken identity – If you were not the person who took the property, you could have your case dropped completely.
  • Lack of evidence – The prosecutor must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. If your defense can poke holes in their argument, it could mean lower sentencing or dropped charges.
  • Acting under duress – If your actions were due to fear of harm, you could use this in your defense strategy.

Contact our Flint criminal defense law firm immediately for help constructing a defense that meets your current needs and goals.

Should You Hire Our Flint Theft Attorney?

Whether this is your first offense or a repeat offense, we stand ready to defend you both in and out of the courtroom. We are not afraid to take matters to trial and fight for our clients. You can trust the legal team at Clint W. Perryman PC to handle your theft crimes case.

Please contact us right away when facing charges for theft crimes or other criminal matters. The prosecution won’t wait to build a case against you, so you should act quickly to get the most favorable results possible. Call us at 810-498-2370 to schedule your confidential consultation.