Theft Crime Defense Lawyers Grand Rapids
Protecting Your Rights, Record, and Future After a Theft Charge in Grand Rapids
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Theft Crime Defense Lawyers in Grand Rapids
If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Grand Rapids, you are right to be concerned about your job, your reputation, and your future. Theft-related offenses are aggressively prosecuted in Kent County, and a conviction can have permanent consequences. Whether you face a misdemeanor charge for retail fraud or a serious felony for embezzlement or auto theft, your freedom and record are at stake.
Mamat Law provides strategic, tenacious defense for individuals across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Walker, and the surrounding areas. Our team has deep familiarity with the 61st District Court and the 17th Circuit Court. We know the local prosecutors, understand their tactics, and build powerful, personalized defense strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome for each client.
Common Theft Crimes Prosecuted in Kent County
Theft crimes in Michigan are defined by specific statutes, each with its own elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. In Grand Rapids, these cases begin in the 61st District Court (180 Ottawa Ave NW) and, if they are felonies, may proceed to the 17th Circuit Court (Kent County Courthouse).
Our firm routinely defends clients against charges including:
- Retail Fraud (Shoplifting): Governed by MCL 750.356c and 750.356d, this is one of the most common theft charges. The severity depends on the value of the merchandise and your prior record. It can range from a 93-day misdemeanor to a 5-year felony if you have prior theft convictions.
- Larceny: This is the general term for stealing property. The specific charge depends on the circumstances and value. Common larceny charges include:
- Larceny by Stealing (General Larceny): The unlawful taking of another’s property. (MCL 750.356)
- Larceny in a Building: Stealing property from within a building, such as a home, store, or office. This is a felony regardless of the property’s value. (MCL 750.360)
- Embezzlement: This crime involves the fraudulent conversion of assets (money or property) by an individual who was entrusted to manage or monitor them, such as an employee, treasurer, or fiduciary. These are often complex, document-intensive cases. (MCL 750.174)
- Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile (UDAA / Auto Theft): Taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s permission is a serious felony under MCL 750.413, carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, even if you only intended to “borrow” it temporarily.
- Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property: Possessing property that you knew, or had reason to know, was stolen is a crime. The prosecution must prove your knowledge. The penalties mirror those for larceny and depend on the property’s value. (MCL 750.535)
Penalties for Theft Crimes Under Michigan Law
Michigan law establishes a tiered penalty system for most theft crimes, primarily based on the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history.
- Value Under $200: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of $500 or 3 times the value of the property, whichever is greater.
- Value Between $200 and $999.99: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $2,000 or 3 times the value of the property.
- Value Between $1,000 and $19,999.99: Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000 or 3 times the value of the property.
- Value of $20,000 or More: Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000 or 3 times the value of the property.
Important Considerations
- Prior Convictions: Having prior theft-related convictions can enhance a new charge, turning a misdemeanor into a felony.
- Restitution: In every theft case, the court will order you to pay back the victim for the full value of the property stolen. This is mandatory and separate from any fines.
- Collateral Consequences: A theft conviction is a crime of dishonesty that can prevent you from getting a job, a professional license (nursing, real estate, etc.), housing, or a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). It can also have severe immigration consequences.
How Mamat Law Builds a Winning Theft Defense Strategy
A successful defense requires a proactive and meticulous approach. We don’t wait for the prosecution to build its case; we start investigating immediately to find the weaknesses.
Our strategies include:
- Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence: We scrutinize every detail: Is the surveillance video clear? Were there constitutional violations, such as an unlawful search of your person or vehicle? Can the prosecution prove the chain of custody for the evidence? Did police violate your Miranda rights?
- Disproving Criminal Intent: A theft crime requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. We explore defenses based on mistake, accident, or a genuine belief that you had a right to the property. A simple misunderstanding at a self-checkout lane should not ruin your life.
- Negotiating for Favorable Outcomes: Our strong reputation and relationships with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office are invaluable. We can often negotiate for a reduction in charges (e.g., a felony down to a misdemeanor), a plea to a non-theft offense, or an agreement on the restitution amount.
- Exploring Alternatives to Conviction: For eligible clients, especially first-time offenders, we aggressively pursue alternatives that can keep a conviction off your record. These may include diversion programs, a delayed sentence under MCL 771.1, or status under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) for clients under 26 years old.
Why a Grand Rapids Lawyer is Crucial for Your Case
Criminal law is local. The outcome of your case can depend heavily on the specific policies of the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, the tendencies of the judges in the 61st District and 17th Circuit Courts, and the procedures of local law enforcement like the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Mamat Law is a fixture in the Grand Rapids legal community. We know how loss prevention officers at major retailers like Meijer and Walmart build their cases. We understand the charging priorities of the prosecutor’s office. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and build a more effective defense, giving you a critical strategic advantage. When you search for a “theft lawyer near me,” you need an attorney who is truly local, not just someone with a satellite office.
Contact Mamat Law for a Free, Confidential Consultation
If you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a theft crime in the Grand Rapids area, do not speak to the police or anyone else until you have consulted with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your first decisions are your most important.
Call Mamat Law today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your side of the story, explain your legal options in plain English, and begin building the defense you deserve. Let us protect your rights, your record, and your future.