Jail Time is Not Required for Retail Fraud
Retail fraud is a theft charge, and it can happen to anyone who has a momentary lapse of judgment or simply makes a mistake.
Retail Fraud and Your Future
Retail fraud or a shoplifting conviction could affect your life negatively in many different ways. Obtaining employment might be challenging, student financing may be an issue, and your reputation might suffer. Receiving a retail fraud charge is embarrassing, but there are ways to minimize any damage. The conviction risk is too significant not to take this charge seriously, and you need to seek expert defense assistance. Hiring a strong advocate for your defense can help protect your future and put this matter behind you. With a zealous defense, you can avoid jail time for retail fraud in almost every case.
The Law and Retail Fraud
Michigan law is unambiguous, and the statute MCL 750.356 (c) (d) addresses the penalties below.
Getting jail time for retail fraud is not only about taking property that does not belong to you. Retail fraud and shoplifting include attempting to alter the price, switch price stickers, or in any other way attempt to misrepresent the price of an item to not pay for it. Sometimes, utterly innocent conduct can be misinterpreted and result in a retail fraud charge.
What Your Criminal Defense Attorney Will Do for You
After receiving the charge, set up an appointment with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The type of charge will be discussed during an initial consultation, and strategies for the best achievable outcome will be offered. Additionally, your attorney will make sure your position is heard in court. A skilled defense lawyer can defend retail fraud charges and help reduce your fear and worry about jail time.
Alternatives to Jail Time for Retail Fraud
Defendants in Michigan are routinely sentenced to jail or prison time for retail fraud offenses. This occurs more frequently in cases where a defendant has a prior criminal history or allegations of habitual theft-related conduct. All lawyers are not the same, and thus all defenses are not the same. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has extensive experience successfully defending clients against retail fraud charges. We are adept at finding alternative resolutions that are agreeable to the prosecution and the judge. For many of our clients, we can not only help them avoid jail; we are routinely successful in keeping a conviction off their record. Some alternatives to jail include dismissal, charges reduced to a civil infraction, pretrial diversion, advisement, Holmes Youthful Training Act, delayed sentence, probation, work release, veteran’s treatment court, and more.
Your Retail Fraud “Stay Out of Jail Legal Team”
If you wonder, “how much jail time will I get for retail fraud?” you need to contact the Defense Team of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. They have decades of experience successfully defending clients that have been charged with Retail Fraud and keeping them out of jail. Our knowledgeable lawyers will help you when others can’t, and we will take the time to find a strategic defense that gives you the best chance of staying out of jail.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
