Shoplifting Lawyer Ann Arbor

If you’ve been charged or ticketed with shoplifting (retail fraud) in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will help you fight for a great result. We help people with shoplifting cases at the 14A District Court, the 14B District Court, the 15th District Court, and at the 22nd Circuit Court.  If your case originates at Briarwood Mall, a national franchise, or from a local retailer, get Hilf & Hilf, PLC on your side today for immediate legal action to deal with your shoplifting accusation in the best possible manner.

A shoplifting charge can follow you around for many years, causing you trouble when the case is long over with.   In addition to the potential loss of freedom  (jail/prison), you face the possibility of strict probationary conditions, fines/costs, and lost employment and educational opportunities.  The bottom line is that most employers do not want to take chances with persons with criminal records involving stealing, when there are many available applicants to fill job positions.  Employment that requires licensing from the State (nurses, lawyers, etc.) also might be compromised with a shoplifting conviction due to tough Michigan laws and ethical standards.  If you are not a United States citizen, shoplifting can result in deportation and the inability to return back to the United States if you ever leave, depending upon your circumstances.  When your way of life is on the line, Hilf & Hilf, PLC provides well thought out legal strategies and solid legal advocacy to help you fight for outstanding results.

There are several possible charges as it relates to shoplifting in the Ann Arbor area.  First Degree Retail Fraud throughout Michigan is a serious felony accusation that carries a maximum punishment of 5 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.  This offense is pursued in 2 circumstances: when the alleged theft involves $1000 or more, or when the alleged theft involves between $200 and $1000 in merchandise and the Defendant has a prior theft conviction.  Another felony charge related to shoplifting is Organized Retail Theft, which also is a 5 year maximum offense that is prosecuted throughout the State of Michigan.  This offense is basically charged in instances where the intent of the Defendant is to resell the items allegedly stolen from a store - basically the Defendant is alleged to have formed a business out of shoplifting.

Second Degree Retail Fraud in Michigan is a misdemeanor crime that carries a maximum punishment of 1 year in the county jail where the offense allegedly took place.  This offense is pursued in 2 circumstances: when the alleged theft involves between $200 and $1000 in merchandise, or when the offense involves under $200 in merchandise and the Defendant has a prior theft conviction.  The least serious shoplifting offense in Michigan is Third Degree Retail Fraud, which is a 93 day maximum misdemeanor offense and involves an alleged theft of merchandise from a store valued under $200.

• Over 20 years experience defending shoplifting charges throughout Michigan
• Trial tested, with the desire to fight on your behalf for the best possible outcome
• Immediate help to address your shoplifting case
• The timely and prompt return of telephone calls and answers to your questions and concerns
• Personal attention given to all clients to address their individual needs and issues

Attorney Daniel Hilf has represented persons in Michigan since 1996, defending criminal accusations such as shoplifting on thousands of occasions.  His skill defending shoplifting accusations has developed over time through frequent litigation and court appearances, and he is 100% ready to work for your best advantage. Hiring the best available criminal defense attorney may be one of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your family, because you have one opportunity to obtain the right result to a shoplifting charge.

Criminal defense attorney Daniel Hilf provides solid and zealous legal representation for misdemeanors, felonies, tickets, and ordinance violations, including:

• Retail Fraud
• Drug Offenses
• Criminal Traffic
• Other Criminal Offenses
• Sex Offenses
• Domestic Violence
• Probation Violation

If you have been charged with a shoplifting related crime anywhere in Michigan, contact us immediately.