Theft

Michigan Theft Attorneys

Charged With Theft in Michigan? Criminal Defense Attorneys Manley & Manley Can Help

If you have been charged with theft in Michigan, you need to take your charge seriously from the start. A theft conviction can have serious consequences. A conviction can damage your reputation and relationships. We understand at Manley & Manley because we have worked with people throughout the state charged with this serious crime.

Our criminal defense attorneys dedicated their entire careers to fighting for the rights of individuals charged with serious crimes. Attorney Frank J. Manley has been recognized for decades as an elite AV-rated defense attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list year after year. He has also been named among the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Attorney Michael P. Manley is a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Expert, one of very few in the mid-Michigan area. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also named Attorney Manley one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

Read about our case results to find out how we have helped others facing a grim future.

What Types of Theft Cases Does Manley & Manley Handle?

Michigan defines theft as larceny. Depending on what was stolen – and how it was stolen – larceny crimes can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. (We have dedicated a page that details the difference between misdemeanor and felony cases). You should never attempt to resolve your legal matter on your own. You should always consult with experienced attorneys before making such an important decision. You should contact us as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case. Call (810) 374-0240.

The following are a few examples of theft or larceny charges we see in Michigan:

  • Theft of property
  • Auto theft
  • Theft of money
  • Shoplifting
  • Larceny from a person
  • Larceny in a building
  • Theft of a firearm
  • Larceny by conversion
  • Larceny by false personation
  • Credit card theft

Some of the different types of theft cases we handle at our law firm include:

  • Misdemeanor larceny – The state of Michigan classifies a misdemeanor offense based on the value of the stolen goods. These include:
    • Stolen property under $200
    • Stolen property $200 to $1,000
  • Felony larceny – The state of Michigan classifies felony larceny cases based on the value of the stolen goods. These include:
    • Stolen property over $1,000 but less than $20,000
    • Stolen property over $20,000

Is There a Difference Between Larceny, Theft, Robbery, Burglary, Home Invasion and Shoplifting?

The legal system uses many different terms to describe the crime of stealing property. Theft, burglary, larceny, and robbery are just a few of the most common terms.

Although larceny and theft can often be used interchangeably, the Michigan legal system officially labels these crimes as larceny.

Robbery and burglary are theft crimes but involve a deeper criminal element. Robbery, usually referred to as armed robbery, differs from theft, which is stealing from a person using threats, weapons, or force. Using a weapon to threaten a store clerk would be considered robbery. Robbery charges usually also come with assault charges and are often a felony offense. A Robbery conviction is enough to land someone a hefty prison sentence.

Burglary is different as it does not actually require someone to take property that isn’t theirs to land a burglary charge, either home invasion or breaking and entering. If you enter someone else’s property, whether that be a commercial area or a dwelling, with the intent to commit a crime, you can be charged with burglary, even if you don’t actually take anything.

Shoplifting, also known as retail fraud, is the act of stealing property from a retail establishment. Retail fraud doesn’t mean hiding an item and walking out with it. Something as small as swapping the price tag of a cheaper item for a more expensive one can result in a retail fraud conviction.

Any way you slice it, theft crimes and theft-related offenses require someone to take from someone else or a business for personal financial benefit, and no matter what you call it, these criminal charges could result in jail time.

What is White Collar Theft?

Not all theft involves threats, breaking into someone else’s property, or stealing property via force. Embezzlement is another kind of theft and is usually seen as a white-collar crime. Don’t let the name fool you; embezzlement is theft and a severely punished crime.

Embezzlement is legally defined as the theft, misappropriation, or conversion of money placed in someone’s trust or belonging to an employer. It is a unique form of theft because it requires a degree of trust. Trust gained from a family member or friend who puts you in charge of their estate or trust from an employer who puts you in charge of cash, transactions, or other assets.

It is important to remember that white-collar crimes are often punished just as severely as any other kind of theft crime. The violation of someone else’s trust may lead to an embezzlement charge being seen as more foul than when someone steals from a stranger. Prior embezzlement convictions can accumulate and land someone with a considerable prison sentence. Punishments can include fines and the accused repaying the money embezzled. A prior embezzlement conviction can lead to your being seen as a habitual offender, and the prosecutor may try to seek more severe punishments as a result.

What is the Penalty for Theft in Michigan?

If you are convicted of larceny, the penalties can be quite severe, depending on what you have been accused of stealing. A previous larceny charge or conviction can also influence how long you will spend in jail and the size of your fine.

The penalties under Michigan law for the first offense of various larceny crimes include:

Larceny under $200

(Misdemeanor)

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Up to $500 fine or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater

Larceny $200 to $1,000

(Misdemeanor)

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $2,000 fine or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater

Larceny over $1,000 but less than $20,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 5 years in jail
  • Up to $10,000 fine or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater

Larceny over $20,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 15 years in jail
  • Up to $15,000 fine or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater

Like any other conviction, prior convictions can cause these punishments to escalate, becoming increasingly severe.

What Defenses Will Your Attorneys Use When Fighting a Theft Charge?

Theft crimes are difficult to defend against because the smoking gun is often the property that was stolen. Once the authorities trace the stolen property to you, it can be more difficult to defend. This is why working with experienced theft lawyers is pivotal; they know how to build a solid defense, even if the prosecutor thinks proving your guilt is a slam dunk.

Here are some of the defenses your defense attorney will try to employ.

The Property is Yours

If you and your lawyer can prove that you had reason to believe the property stolen was yours, you may have a great defense. This claim is not as easy as saying, “I thought it was mine.” You and your attorney will build your case around the evidence that led you to mistakenly believe that you were the owner of the property.

Entrapment

Using entrapment as a defense is difficult because you are directly challenging the person accusing you of theft. In entrapment cases, your accuser is usually the police. Entrapment occurs when you are misled or tricked into committing a theft.

Why Should I Hire Attorneys from Manley & Manley if I Have Been Charged with Theft?

Don’t wait to contact a lawyer if you have been charged with larceny. You might have more legal options than you realize. We want to learn more about your case and work with you to develop a legal strategy designed to win your case.

Our attorneys have years of experience handling complex criminal matters, and we are ready to pursue the best possible strategy to achieve a client’s desired result. Our legal team conducts a comprehensive investigation for each client. Did the arresting officer follow the correct procedures? Are there extenuating circumstances? Does the client have addiction issues or other possible mitigating factors?

If you are facing theft or larceny charges, call Manley & Manley right now at (810) 374-0240.