Bloomfield Hills Theft Lawyer

Theft includes the act of taking property that belongs to someone else without permission, and it comes in a plethora of forms. Unfortunately, all of these forms have one thing in common; those convicted can face serious penalties and jail time.

If you or someone you care about has been accused of one or more of the following types of theft, you will want to contact an experienced Bloomfield Hills theft lawyer before it is too late:

• Auto theft
• Retail theft (shoplifting)
• Unarmed/armed robbery
• Embezzlement
• Credit card fraud
• Identity theft

There are many more types of theft, and if you are currently facing charges of any of them, it is important for you to get in touch with an experienced defense attorney right away.

When it comes to theft, shoplifting is one of the most common types. Shoplifting charges are often leveled at juveniles, and they can be extremely difficult to defend against without the aid of a Bloomfield Hills theft lawyer.

Even if a person does not actually take an item from a store without paying for it, they can be charged with shoplifting if they commit one of the following acts:

• Forgets to pay for an item, and proceeds to exit the store
• Moves or touches an item in a way that causes store employees to believe they intended to steal an item
• Alter price tags or the location of merchandise

There are three degrees of shoplifting in the Michigan Penal Code. First-degree shoplifting occurs when a person is accused of stealing an item worth more than $1,000.

When the total worth of the items is between $200 and $1,000 or less than $200, the accused can be charged with second and third-degree shoplifting respectively. Depending on the worth of the item(s) in question, the accused can face up to five or more years in prison if convicted.

Even though no weapons are used, unarmed robbery is a serious crime in Michigan, and if a person is convicted, they can face imprisonment, fines, and other forms of restitution.

When a person is accused of taking property that does not belong to them without the permission of the owner, they can be charged with unarmed robbery, which can result in a felony charge. Defendants are often accused of taking money and other valuable items such as jewelry and electronic devices.

If a person is charged with robbery, they will most certainly want to hire a Bloomfield Hills theft lawyer.

If a person takes a motor vehicle that belongs to another person and proceeds to drive away, they can be charged with a felony, even if they did intend to return the motor vehicle.

If convicted, the accused individual can expect to spend two to five years in prison, and be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines.

Contrary to popular belief, there are ways for a Bloomfield Hills theft lawyer to prove that a person is not guilty of motor vehicle theft. Individuals can also be charged in a similar manner if they unknowingly purchase or house a stolen vehicle, and if convicted, they can spend up to five years in state prison.

If you are charged with theft, hiring a Bloomfield Hills theft lawyer is in your best interest. Theft is a very serious offense, and even if you are not sent to jail, a permanent criminal record can make life far more difficult for you. Contact an attorney today to begin your defense.