Plymouth Theft Lawyer

If law enforcement officials accuse you of theft in Plymouth, one of your first priorities should be protecting yourself and your rights. A major component of doing so typically involves ensuring law enforcement officials did not violate the law or engage in improper activity while investigating your case or arresting you.

By providing excellence in criminal defense, a Plymouth theft lawyer can safeguard your rights and develop a legal strategy to fit your specific case. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney could be the key to secure a favorable outcome and maintaining your best interests.

Theft, which is also legally referred to as larceny, is the general criminal act of stealing property that belongs to another person. “Property” in this context may include money, goods, bank notes, deeds, receipts, and even scrap metal, among other things.

Michigan law sets forth a number of more specific larceny charges for certain situations. Retail fraud in the first degree involves stealing property from a store, misrepresenting the price of an item with the intent not to pay for it, or trying to return or refund stolen property if the item is worth $1,000 or more.

Larceny from a person is also a separate criminal offense under Michigan Compiled Laws §750.357. This serious accusation carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years.

Other specific forms of theft include stealing livestock, firearms, larceny from a vacant dwelling, and larceny by conversion. As many of these offenses may result in quite severe penalties, getting the advice of an experienced theft attorney in Plymouth may be to your advantage.

Penalties for theft and retail fraud are directly related to the value of the allegedly stolen property. Theft of property valued lower than $200 could result in a misdemeanor offense, with a potential jail sentence of up to 93 days and a fine of $500 or three times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater.

While the offense is still a misdemeanor for property valued between $200 and $1,000, the potential jail sentence increases to a maximum of one year and a fine of $2,000 or three times the value of the property stolen. These penalties may also apply if the property is valued at less than $200 and you have a previous conviction for a larceny offense.

At the other end of the spectrum, an individual may face a felony charge with a maximum of ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000 if they are found guilty of stealing property valued at more than $20,000. The same penalties may be brought against those accused of stealing property of a lower value if the convicted party has two or more previous convictions involving theft of property valued at more than $200. A Plymouth attorney with experience defending against theft charges could know which penalties a person accused of larceny could face.

Building a strong defense is an important aspect of any criminal case. If you are accused of any criminal offense, it may be time to consult with a Plymouth theft lawyer about your rights during an arrest, investigation, and potential trial.

Whether you have previous criminal convictions or are facing a first offense, a solid defense from the beginning of your case may be key to a positive outcome in your case. Before answering questions from the police, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney to learn how you may be able to protect your rights and best interests.