Theft Crime Lawyers

At Mamat Law, we defend clients against the full range of theft crimes, including but not limited to:

Retail Fraud And Shoplifting


Retail fraud commonly known as shoplifting is one of the most frequently charged theft offenses in Michigan. The law defines it broadly to include not only physically taking merchandise without paying but also price-switching, under-ringing, fraudulent returns, and working with accomplices to remove security tags or distract store employees.

Michigan’s Retail Fraud Statute breaks this crime into degrees based on the value of the property stolen and whether the person has prior convictions:

• Third-Degree Retail Fraud (value under $200): Misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, plus fines and restitution.
• Second-Degree Retail Fraud ($200–$1,000): Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
• First-Degree Retail Fraud (over $1,000): Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Even a minor shoplifting offense can create a permanent criminal record that limits employment options, professional licenses, and immigration status. Many large retailers have aggressive anti-theft policies and employ loss prevention officers who testify in court.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Retail Theft Cases: We challenge the evidence, including surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and loss-prevention procedures. We also explore defenses such as lack of intent, mistake, or improper valuation to reduce charges or seek dismissals.

Larceny


Larceny under Michigan law covers the general crime of stealing another’s property with intent to permanently deprive them of it. But the statute is broad, applying to cash, goods, vehicles, tools, electronics, jewelry, and even digital property.

Michigan recognizes many specific larceny offenses:

• Larceny in a Building: Stealing from stores, offices, or public facilities.
• Larceny from a Motor Vehicle: Taking stereos, airbags, electronics, or personal belongings from cars.
• Larceny by Conversion: Wrongfully keeping property entrusted to you (similar to embezzlement in some cases).

Penalties depend on the value stolen:

• Under $200: Misdemeanor, up to 93 days in jail.
• $200–$1,000: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail.
• $1,000–$20,000: Felony, up to 5 years in prison.
• Over $20,000: Felony, up to 10 years in prison.

Michigan’s habitual offender laws can increase these penalties for repeat offenders.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Larceny Cases: We examine ownership disputes, intent, valuation, and constitutional search issues. We negotiate to reduce charges and advocate for diversion programs or probation where available.

Auto Theft


Auto theft is a serious felony in Michigan with specific statutes that target the unauthorized taking or use of motor vehicles. Charges can result from:

• Taking or driving away a vehicle without permission (even temporarily).
• Receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle.
• Altering or removing vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
• Organized vehicle theft rings, which may trigger federal charges.

Standard auto theft in Michigan is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, but cases involving multiple vehicles, crossing state lines, or organized conspiracies often involve much higher penalties and federal jurisdiction.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Auto Theft Cases: We challenge evidence of intent, identification, and ownership. We scrutinize police procedures and negotiate reduced charges, such as joyriding or unauthorized use.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is theft by someone in a position of trust, employees, agents, fiduciaries, or guardians. It often involves:

• Stealing cash from a register or safe.
• Diverting client payments.
• Misusing corporate accounts.
• Falsifying financial records to conceal theft.

Michigan charges embezzlement based on the value stolen:

• Under $200: Misdemeanor.
• $200–$1,000: Misdemeanor with higher penalties.
• $1,000–$20,000: Felony, up to 5 years.
• Over $20,000: Felony, up to 10 or 15 years.

Defendants often face demands for full restitution and public reputational damage that can destroy careers.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Embezzlement Cases: We conduct forensic financial reviews to challenge the prosecution’s calculations, expose alternative explanations, and negotiate restitution-based settlements or reduced charges.

Robbery And Armed Robbery


Robbery is larceny combined with force or the threat of force. Michigan statutes impose harsh penalties because these crimes create fear and risk injury to victims.

• Simple Robbery: Felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Armed Robbery: Use or threat of a weapon elevates the offense to a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Cases often rely on eyewitness identifications, surveillance footage, and physical evidence like weapons or stolen property. Prosecutors in Michigan cities and suburbs take robbery extremely seriously, often pushing for long sentences even for first-time offenders.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Robbery Cases: We challenge witness identifications, police procedures, alleged use of weapons, and any threats made. We fight for reduced charges or negotiate pleas to avoid life sentences.

Identity Theft


Michigan’s Identity Theft Protection Act makes it a felony to use someone else’s personal identifying information to:

• Obtain credit, goods, services, money, or property.
• Commit other crimes or avoid detection.
• Conceal one’s identity during fraud.

Common fact patterns in Michigan include credit card fraud, online purchases with stolen identities, false loan applications, and fraudulent employment forms. Law enforcement often uses digital evidence like emails, IP addresses, and computer records.

Penalties for identity theft include prison sentences, fines, and mandatory restitution. Defendants can face multiple counts for each use of the stolen identity, leading to substantial cumulative sentences.

How Mamat Law Helps Defend You in Identity Theft Cases: We attack the chain of custody of digital evidence, question the intent to defraud, challenge search warrants, and negotiate reductions to avoid long prison terms.

Other Theft-Related Crimes


In addition to the major categories above, Mamat Law defends clients against many other theft-related charges in Michigan, including:

• Credit Card Fraud: Using or possessing stolen or cloned cards to make purchases.
• Internet And Online Fraud Schemes: Phishing, scam sales, and fraudulent online transactions.
• Mortgage Fraud: Providing false information to secure loans or misusing escrow accounts.
• Carjacking: Taking a vehicle by force or threat, punishable by up to life imprisonment.
• Joyriding: Unauthorized but temporary use of a vehicle, often charged against juveniles or young adults.
• Check Forgery And Financial Instrument Fraud: Altering or counterfeiting checks to steal funds.

These crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felonies and often involve overlapping federal and state charges.