Theft Offenses

Experienced Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys Dedicated to Defending the Rights of Traverse City and Grand Rapids Residents

Courts in Michigan take theft crimes seriously. These charges are brought when a prosecutor believes that a person has stolen or misappropriated property that belongs to someone else. In this context, “property” may include money, goods, or even services.

If you have been charged with one or more theft offenses, it is imperative that you retain an aggressive criminal defense attorney to assist with your defense. Kelly Neumann is a veteran Grand Rapids and Traverse City theft crimes defense lawyer who has extensive experience securing favorable results on behalf of clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses. As a skilled negotiator, Attorney Neumann is often able to obtain favorable results without the need for a trial; however, as a seasoned litigator, she can also take your case to trial if that’s what is in your best interest.

Is Theft in Michigan a Felony or Misdemeanor?

Theft and larceny may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property that allegedly has been stolen. Misdemeanor larceny or petty theft may be charged when the property is worth less than $200. For example, stealing makeup and sunglasses from a drug store may be charged as misdemeanor larceny or as retail fraud in the third degree. If you are convicted of either of these offenses, you may be punished by being imprisoned for up to 93 days or paying a fine of at most $500 or three times the value of what you allegedly stole, whichever is greater. You also may face both fines and imprisonment.

When stolen property is worth between $200 and $1,000, the theft is charged as a misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you may be penalized with imprisonment for up to one year, up to $2,000 in fines or three times the property’s value, whichever is greater, or both. This offense may also be charged as retail fraud in the second degree.

The theft of more valuable property is a felony. If you are charged with stealing something that is worth between $1,000 and $20,000, you may be charged with felony theft. A conviction is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000 or three times the property’s value, or both. This charge may also be brought if the property at issue is a motor vehicle, a trailer, or a particular motor vehicle component. You may also be charged with retail fraud in the first degree if you stole the property from a store.

If you are alleged to have stolen property worth $20,000 or more, such as often the case in white collar crimes, you may be charged with felony theft, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000 or three times the property’s value, whichever is greater, or both.

Michigan’s Sentencing Enhancements for Theft Offenses

If you have been convicted of prior theft-related offenses, you may face greater penalties. In Michigan, the punishment may increase to the penalties associated with the next higher level of theft. For example, if you are charged with stealing a $5,000 item, but you have a criminal record with a conviction for stealing other items, you may face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000.

Speak with a Grand Rapids Theft Offenses Attorney at Neumann Law Group to Get Started on Your Defense

Facing theft charges can be overwhelming; however, it is important that you understand your options and what defenses may apply in your case. An experienced Traverse City or Grand Rapids theft attorney at the Neumann Law Group is immediately available to examine the details of your case and negotiate for a plea deal or seek to get the charges dismissed. Our criminal defense lawyers in Traverse City also represent clients in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Detroit, Saginaw, Muskegon, Midland, Holland, Warren, and Petoskey, as well as in communities throughout the Upper Peninsula. Contact us at 800-525-NEUMANN or through our online form to set up a free consultation and case evaluation. We also can assist people who need a drug crime attorney or other serious crimes.