Michigan Theft Offenses Defense Attorneys

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

Types of Theft Offenses We Handle

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

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, 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:

• Embezzlement
• Larceny in value over $1,000
• Larceny in value under $1,000
• Larceny in value over $20,000

Legal Fees for Theft Defense