Michigan Theft Offenses Defense Attorneys

Facing criminal theft charges? We fight to keep your record clean and your case out of court.

Whether you’re facing retail fraud, larceny, unlawfully driving an automobile away (UDAA), or any other theft charge in Michigan, you need an experienced theft attorney with proven jury trial experience to protect your rights and future. At The Law Offices of Barton Morris, we bring 25+ years of experience defending clients against theft charges throughout Michigan. Our attorneys have handled virtually every type of theft case and understand how to aggressively defend your rights.

Facing theft charges in Michigan? Call us for a free consultation today.

Types of Theft Offenses We Handle

Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (UDAA)

Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (UDAA)

UDAA charges involve taking possession of a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission. Though not categorized as car theft, this is a very serious offense.

To prove this charge, the prosecutor must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • You took possession of a vehicle without the owner’s permission
  • You had the specific intent to do so (it wasn’t a mistake)

UDAA is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

Assisting another person to unlawfully possess a vehicle is also illegal if there’s specific intent to do so. Mistake is a common and effective defense to this offense.

Lesser offenses include the misdemeanor charges of joyriding and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Our car theft attorneys provide strong representation for all automobile-related theft charges, helping you understand your options and working toward the best possible outcome.

Larceny Charges

Larceny Charges

If you’ve been accused of stealing money or property from a building, you may be facing larceny charges. These are serious offenses with penalties including hefty fines and significant jail time.

Larceny in a building is a felony, punishable by up to 2 years in jail. Importantly, breaking and entering is not required for this charge—if you steal from a building you have permission to enter (e.g., a housekeeper or babysitter), you can still face charges.

If you help another person steal from a building in any way, you’ll face the same charge and penalty. MCL 750.360 provides the legal description and definition for larceny in a building.

Possible defenses to larceny charges include:

  • You intended to return the property
  • You believed in good faith that the property belonged to you
  • You had consent from the property owner to take the property
Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)

Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)

Retail fraud, commonly referred to as shoplifting, is the stealing of property from a store during regular business hours. In Michigan, it’s categorized into three degrees with varying penalties:

First Degree Retail Fraud

  • Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine or 3 times the value of the stolen property, and probation
  • Circumstances:
    • Misrepresenting price with intent to pay less if difference is $1,000+
    • Stealing property valued at $1,000+
    • Fraudulent refund/exchange of property valued at $1,000+
    • Stealing property valued between $200-$1,000 with prior retail fraud conviction

Second Degree Retail Fraud

  • Penalty: 1-year misdemeanor, fines, and probation
  • Circumstances:
    • Theft of property valued between $200-$1,000
    • Theft under $200 with prior theft-related conviction

Third Degree Retail Fraud

  • Penalty: 93-day misdemeanor, fines, and probation
  • Circumstances: Theft of property valued below $200

Actions Considered Retail Fraud:

  • Concealing or taking property without paying
  • Assisting others in taking property with intent not to pay
  • Actions to pay less than full price (like switching price tags)
  • Using employees to assist in theft
  • Fraudulent use of gift cards, fictitious refunds, or store credit
Other Theft Crimes We Handle

Other Theft Crimes We Handle:

  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny in value over $1,000
  • Larceny in value under $1,000
  • Larceny in value over $20,000
Understanding Why People Commit Theft Offenses

Understanding Why People Commit Theft Offenses

As experienced theft defense attorneys, we recognize that people commit theft offenses for various reasons:

  • Lack of impulse control – inability to resist the urge to take something, often providing a sense of accomplishment
  • Peer pressure – especially among young people who succumb to pressure from peers
  • Financial distress – taking property due to overwhelming financial need
  • Marital difficulties and divorce – family dissolution can cause personality changes
  • Mental health disorders – conditions like kleptomania can cause theft behavior
  • Substance abuse disordersdrug and alcohol abuse sometimes cause theft behavior

Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for developing an effective defense strategy and appropriate treatment plan.

Why Choose Our Theft Attorneys

Legal Fees for Theft Defense

The cost for a specialist theft attorney can be as little as $1,500.00. Qualified individuals can be placed on a reasonable payment plan. Don’t trust your future to a court-appointed attorney who may spend only minutes on your case. A theft conviction can change the course of your life – it’s too important to risk without proper representation.

Facing theft charges in Michigan? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now with The Law Offices of Barton Morris.

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