Our client was charged with third degree retail fraud. He was accused of stealing earrings from a store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan.

Third Degree Retail Fraud Punishment:

Retail Fraud Third is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment is up to 93 days in the county jail and the greater fine of up to $500 or three times the value of the item stolen.

In this particular case the store sent a demand letter siting a law asking for 10 times the value of the item stolen. Unfortunately, our client paid the amount before hiring out firm and probably spent an unfair amount of money that was greater than the judge would have ordered.

Make sure to hire a criminal defense lawyer before you take any legal action.

Retail Fraud Defense Results

The jurisdiction of the Twelve Oaks Mall is the 52-1 District Court on Grand River in Novi. Even with our client writing a written confession admitting criminal liability and paying the restitution we were able to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney and reach a resolution where our client would not have a criminal record.

This was a great result for our client. He will continue to be able to tell potential employers and colleges that he has never been convicted of a crime. Any one that deals with sales, or handles money for an employer can tell you the importance of not having a theft crime such as retail fraud on their public record.

Degrees of Retail Fraud

Third degree retail fraud is determined by the value of the object stolen, it must be under $200.00. The retail store that the object is stolen from must be open to the public at the time the object is taken.

Retail Fraud Defense Lawyer

Even in a case such as this one where the client made a verbal and written confession admitting to the crime it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney. There is always a chance that the police did not follow the law, or a good chance that a defense lawyer can get the charge reduced, or punishment minimized. Call Aaron J. Boria today (734) 453-7806