Retail Fraud Defense

Retail Fraud is a theft crime that refers to the act of stealing items offered for public sale while the store is open for public business (also called “shoplifting”). Retail Fraud can also entail the act of “price switching”, or trying to receive a fraudulent refund or discount from a store. Since Retail Fraud is a theft crime, this requires that there be indisputable evidence that the item was taken intentionally, with the intent to steal and possess.

Michigan divides Retail Fraud charges into three different degrees:

First Degree: Charged as a Felony, $1,000 or more stolen, or a second-degree charge and a prior conviction, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine (or three times the merchandise’s value). This is the most serious charge given for a Retail Fraud Case
Second Degree: Charged as a Misdemeanor, $200-$999 stolen, or a third-degree charge and a prior conviction, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and/or $2,000 fine (or three times the merchandise’s value).
Third Degree: Charged as a Misdemeanor, less than $200 stolen, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine (or three times the merchandise’s value).

Since there are many technicalities to Retail Fraud, there are possibilities for punishments to be reduced. Those convicted of Retail Fraud can often get a punishment reduced if it is the first offense, or if there is no indisputable evidence that the item was taken intentionally. This is why it is important for you to speak with an attorney at Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates who has the Retail Fraud Defense experience and skills to know how to get your punishment reduced.

Contact us at 248-676-1000 today to discuss your issue with a Michigan Retail Fraud defense attorney at Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates.

Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have many satisfied clients throughout the five counties of Southeastern Michigan – Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee and Livingston. The Michigan Family Law Attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have one simple objective: to handle our clients’ legal worries so they can concentrate on life and family. Contact Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates today to learn more about our experience and success at 248-676-1000. We are conveniently located in Milford, Michigan. We help clients throughout Milford; Highland; Hartland; White Lake; Commerce; Waterford; West Bloomfield; Walled Lake; South Lyon; New Hudson; Wixom; Linden; Holly; Fenton; Grand Blanc; Flint and many more local communities.

Retail Fraud Defense