Shoplifting Lawyer – Retail Fraud – Novi Lawyer
In our most recent case, our client was charged with Retail Fraud in the Second Degree, a criminal misdemeanor in the State of Michigan. She was facing up to a year in the Oakland County Jail and $2,000.00 in fines. Shoplifting lawyer, Aaron J. Boria was able to get a reduction in her charge and the charge will actually be completely dismissed in a matter of months.
If you have been charged with retail fraud call criminal defense lawyer, Aaron J. Boria (734) 453-7806.
Aaron J. Boria is a criminal defense lawyer that defends those accused of shoplifting, retail fraud, and other charges in the Novi 52-1 District Court and all over the state of Michigan.
We know that being accused of crime is scary, frustrating and embarrassing. Additionally, a criminal charge can prevent you from being able to get a job or into a school. We understand your concerns and we are here to guide you through the process and get the absolute best possible result. We will go out of our way to protect your rights, get you the best possible deal, and do everything we can to keep you out of jail and the conviction off of your record.
Retail Fraud Lawyer – Shoplifting Lawyer
In Michigan, Shoplifting is not an official charge but instead is officially called retail fraud. There are three degrees of retail fraud.
When you think of retail fraud you generally think of the scenario where someone tries to take an item that is offered for sale from a store without paying for it.
A less common scenario, but still retail fraud, is when a person is accused of switching bar codes in order to purchase an item for a lesser amount.
Finally, the third way a person can be charged with retail fraud is when they are accused of taking an item from the store and trying to return it without ever having paid for it in order to get a store credit or money.
Retail Fraud in the Third Degree is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500.00 or three times the value of the item stolen, whichever is greater.
3RD degree retail fraud is charged when the value of the item stolen is less than $200.
Retail Fraud in the Second Degree is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000.00 or three times the value of the item stolen, whichever is greater.
2nd degree retail fraud is charged when the value of the item stolen is more than $200 but less than $1,000.00. 2nd degree retail fraud can also be charged if the value of the item stolen is under $200 with a prior conviction for retail fraud.
Retail Fraud in the First Degree is a felony punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 or three times the value of the item stolen, whichever is greater.
1st degree retail fraud is charged when the value of the item stolen is more than $1,000.00. 1st degree retail fraud can also be charged if the value of the item is more than $200 but less than $1,000.00 with a prior retail fraud conviction.
Retail Fraud – Novi – 52 District Court
In this particular case our client was accused of stealing items from the Macy’s department store at the Novi Mall. A cashier at the store seemed to believe our client’s behavior looked fishy so she notified Macy’s loss prevention. Loss prevention started following her throughout the store using cameras and undercover shoppers.
When our client started to leave the store she was stopped by loss prevention. Some unpaid items were in her bag that had a value of more than $200 but less than $1,000.00. She was taken into a room where Novi police showed up and arrested her. She was taken to the Novi Police Station where she was finger printed and charged with retrial fraud in the second degree.
Our client was completely embarrassed being stopped by loss prevention and accused of stealing in the middle of the store. Being arrested and charged with a crime was completely humiliating. Luckily, she called criminal defense lawyer, Aaron J. Boria and we were able to get her a result where a criminal conviction would not stay on her record and she would be able to truthfully tell employers, schools, and anyone else that she’s never been convicted of a crime.
The matter was heard at the 52-1 District Court in Novi, which has jurisdiction over the 12 Oaks Mall. Judge Bondy presided over the matter.
After appearing in court on multiple occasions and negotiating with the Oakland County Prosecutor we were able to get her charged reduced from 2nd degree retail fraud to 3rd degree retail fraud. This would save our client $1,500.00 right off the bar, and would cut potential jail time from one year down to 3 months (although part of the deal also include that she will not do any jail time). Additionally, the Oakland County prosecutor agreed to completely dismiss the arrest record and the conviction once she completes probation, so she will not have a record of any kind.
Aaron J. Boria is an experienced criminal defense lawyer defending those accused in the Novi 52-1 District Court and all over the State. In order to give our clients the best possible representation we limit the number of cases we take on at a time. We do not take your money and then shove you off for some associate you have never met to deal you. When you hire Aaron J. Boria you get Aaron J. Boria.
Call (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation or email borialaw@gmail.com. We fight for your rights and protect your future.
