Theft/Property/Fraud Crimes

The list of theft, larceny, fraud and property crimes in the Michigan Penal Code is extensive. The following are selected links to our website pages which cover some of the most prevalent theft, larceny, fraud and property crimes on court dockets in counties of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and St. Clair:

• Arson
• Casino & Gambling Crimes
• Check & Insufficient Funds
• Credit Card Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Embezzlement Cases in Macomb County
• False Pretenses
• Forgery
• Home Invasion
• Insurance Fraud
• Larceny
• Larceny in a Building
• Malicious Destruction of Property
• Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property
• Restitution
• Retail Fraud 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree
• Retail Fraud Cases Macomb County
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
• Uttering & Publishing
• Vulnerable Adult Crimes

When we are hired for a criminal case, the first order of business is to ascertain whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony. In Michigan, a misdemeanor is an offense which carries a maximum penalty of 1 year or less in jail. All misdemeanors are handled in the district courts. An offense that carries punishment greater than 1 year in jail is a felony.

Theft, larceny, property and fraud crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the nature of the crime or the dollar amount involved in the crime. The prior record of the offender can also be used to impose enhanced criminal penalties. In general, theft, larceny and property crimes which involve a dollar amount less than $1,000.00 are misdemeanors. If the dollar amount claimed is $1,000.00 or more, it is a felony. Some property crimes, such as larceny in a building and uttering and publishing, are automatically charged as a felony, without regard to the dollar amount of the loss or involved, and carry the following maximum penalties:

Defending Theft, Larceny, Retail Fraud and Property Crimes

There are negative ramifications associated with a criminal record. Even a misdemeanor conviction will result in a ban obtaining a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in Michigan from 3 to 8 years and inability to enter into Canada. For citizenship purposes, theft and larceny crimes are classified as crimes of moral turpitude which can result in deportation upon conviction.

In Michigan, the offense of shoplifting is known as retail fraud. In every county, including Macomb, retail fraud cases arise most often in areas with major shopping corridors that host large retailers such as Kohl’s, Target, Meijer, Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart. Macomb County has many established and newly created shopping corridors located in the Warren, Sterling Heights, Utica/Shelby Township, Chesterfield Township, Washington Township and Clinton Township. A file will be created against the person charged with retail fraud in the district court system where the offense occurred. In Macomb County, our team of attorneys have a proven track record getting retail fraud 3rd degree cases resolved by convincing the prosecuting attorney and judge to consider a dismissal of the crime after a period of probation.

There are a number of legal solutions available in defending those charged with theft, larceny, fraud and property crimes:

• Utilizing provisions of law to get a dismissal,
• First offender dispositions,
• Avoiding a felony conviction,
• Utilizing HYTA for youthful offenders (age 17 to 23),
• Obtaining an amendment to the charge to avoid deportation,
• Settling the matter by paying restitution during the investigation,
• Fighting the case at trial if wrongfully accused or case cannot be proven.

Virtually every court located in the counties of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and St. Clair will consider granting HYTA status for youthful offenders (age 18 but before age 26) charged with a theft crime. Upon successful completion of HYTA status, the offender’s record is sealed and the case is dismissed.

Embezzlement and False Pretenses Begin with a Criminal Investigation

Theft crimes such as embezzlement and false pretenses usually involve a scheme or misappropriation of property or money over a period time. Once turned over to the police, the case will be worked up by law enforcement officers as part of a criminal investigation. For all theft offenses, each incident may be charged separately as multiple criminal offenses or the amount involved may be added together to support a single more serious charge. During the investigation, law enforcement officers will contact the accused party to make a statement or take a polygraph. Neither course of action is recommended until an attorney can be obtained.

Our successful systems in defending property crimes include getting serious felonies, such as embezzlement, uttering and publishing, larceny in a building and credit card fraud, dismissed!

Citizenship & Deportation Consequences of Theft, Larceny or Fraud Conviction

According to United States Citizenship and Immigration laws, all felonies and misdemeanors which are considered crimes of moral turpitude are deportable offenses that will result in removal proceedings. Larceny, fraud, and retail fraud are considered to be a crimes of moral turpitude.

Contact ABDO LAW if you are not a United States citizen and need legal representation for a criminal offense. We can arrange the services of an interpreter if necessary and seek resolution of your case to avoid deportation/removal.

Hire Our Team of Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers

Getting charged with a crime is an overwhelming experience. Like others that have been in your position, we know that you are searching the internet and doing a lot of research on the subject before coming to grips with the reality that you need the services of a private defense attorney. You can save yourself a lot of stress by retaining the services of ABDO LAW. Once we are involved in your case, we will set goals to obtain the best possible resolution in the court system. This also means that you will have a lawyer standing by your side at every court proceeding to prevent you from saying the wrong thing to the judge or to the prosecutor that can result in irreversible set-backs.

Since 1980, we have represented thousands of clients charged with theft, larceny and fraud crimes. Most of our clients have never been in trouble and are good candidates to get out of the court system with minimal consequences and a dismissal of the criminal offense. Jail and felony convictions can also be avoided even for those with a prior criminal record.

EMAIL or CALL for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION. Phone messages are forwarded to our attorneys. We offer same day, evening, weekend appointments, jail visits and the ability to retain us over the internet. Payment plans and all credit cards accepted.

CALL: Metro Detroit: 586-412-5555