Theft Crime Defense Lawyers Lansing
Expert Defense for Theft Charges in Ingham and Eaton Counties
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Theft Crime Defense Lawyers In Lansing
Facing theft charges in Lansing, East Lansing, or the surrounding communities can have devastating legal and personal consequences. An accusation of shoplifting, embezzlement, or any theft offense puts your freedom, finances, and future at risk. Under Michigan law, penalties can include significant jail or prison time, steep fines, mandatory restitution, and a permanent criminal record that can limit your employment, housing, and professional opportunities for life.
Mamat Law provides aggressive, knowledgeable legal defense for individuals charged with all types of theft crimes throughout Lansing and the surrounding areas, including Ingham and Eaton counties. Our firm builds defense strategies grounded in a deep understanding of Michigan’s complex theft statutes and an intimate familiarity with the 54A, 55th, and 56A District Courts, as well as the local prosecutor’s offices and their specific procedures. If you are facing a theft investigation or have already been charged, Mamat Law is prepared to protect your rights.
Common Theft Offenses in the Lansing Area
Michigan law defines numerous theft-related offenses, with penalties often determined by the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the specific circumstances of the crime. Mamat Law has extensive experience defending against all theft charges, including:
- Retail Fraud (Shoplifting): This is one of the most common charges in the Lansing area, specifically defined under MCL 750.356c & 750.356d, divided into degrees:
- First Degree: A felony involving goods valued at $1,000 or more, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
- Second Degree: A misdemeanor involving goods valued between $200 and $1,000, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
- Third Degree: A misdemeanor involving goods valued under $200, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
- Larceny from a Building (MCL 750.360): Stealing property of any value from a building (such as a home, office, school, or even a bar) is a serious felony. The value of the item stolen is irrelevant; the act of stealing from within a building elevates the crime to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.
- Larceny from a Person (MCL 750.357): This felony offense involves stealing property directly from another person’s body or immediate presence, such as pickpocketing or snatching a purse. A conviction carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
- Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property (MCL 750.535): It is a crime to buy, receive, or conceal property that you know or have reason to believe is stolen. The penalties range from a 93-day misdemeanor to a 10-year felony, depending on the value of the property.
- Embezzlement (MCL 750.174): This crime involves the fraudulent conversion of property by someone who was entrusted with it, often occurring in an employment context. Penalties are tiered based on the value stolen and can range from a misdemeanor to a 20-year felony.
- Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (UDAA) (MCL 750.413): Also known as auto theft, this is a felony charge for taking or using a motor vehicle without permission. It is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- Identity Theft (MCL 445.65): A serious felony involving using another person’s identifying information to commit fraud, such as opening a credit card or filing for benefits. Convictions can result in up to 5 years in prison, substantial fines, and mandatory restitution to the victim.
Potential Legal Consequences for Theft Crimes in Michigan
The penalties for most general theft crimes in Michigan (larceny) are tiered based on the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history. Under MCL 750.356, the primary sentencing guidelines are:
- Property Valued Under $200: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 (or 3x the value of the property, whichever is greater).
- Property Valued Between $200 and $1,000: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000 (or 3x the value).
- Property Valued Between $1,000 and $20,000: Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 (or 3x the value).
- Property Valued at $20,000 or More: Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000 (or 3x the value).
Aggravating Factors
A prior theft conviction can automatically increase the severity of a new charge. For example, a misdemeanor theft can escalate to a felony if you have prior convictions.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond jail and fines, a theft conviction is considered a “crime of dishonesty” and creates a permanent criminal record that can severely impact:
- Current and future employment opportunities
- Applications for housing or loans
- Professional licensing (nursing, real estate, etc.)
- Immigration status for non-citizens
- Firearm rights
Defense Strategies Mamat Law Employs in Theft Cases
Every theft charge demands a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts. Mamat Law meticulously analyzes every piece of evidence to build the strongest possible defense. Common strategies include:
- Challenging Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. We often demonstrate that the incident was a simple mistake or misunderstanding.
- Attacking the Identification: Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, and video surveillance is often ambiguous. We scrutinize identification procedures and challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove it was you.
- Disputing the Property’s Value: The distinction between a misdemeanor and felony often hinges on the alleged value of the property. We can challenge inflated valuations from the alleged victim or prosecution.
- Filing Motions to Suppress Evidence: If police conducted an illegal search or interrogation, we will file motions to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence.
- Negotiating for Diversionary Programs or Reduced Charges: For first-time offenders, we can often negotiate entry into programs that may result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion, including the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) for clients under 26.
- Asserting Factual Innocence: In cases of false accusations, we prepare for a vigorous trial defense to expose the flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Navigating the Local Court Systems: Ingham and Eaton Counties
If you are charged with a theft crime in the greater Lansing area, your case will begin in one of the local district courts:
- 54A District Court (Lansing): Handles all misdemeanor cases and felony arraignments/preliminary examinations for alleged crimes within the City of Lansing.
- 55th District Court (Mason/Ingham County): Handles cases arising in the parts of Ingham County outside of Lansing and East Lansing.
- 56A District Court (Eaton County): Serves Eaton County communities, including Charlotte, Delta Township, and Grand Ledge.
Mamat Law has extensive experience practicing before the specific judges in each of these courts. We understand their tendencies and how to present cases effectively. Misdemeanor cases are resolved in these courts, while felony cases begin here before being bound over to the appropriate circuit court for trial:
- 30th Circuit Court (Ingham County)
- 56th Circuit Court (Eaton County)
Our firm provides seamless and aggressive representation at both the district and circuit court levels.
Prosecutorial Tendencies in Lansing Theft Cases
The Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office and Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office take theft crimes seriously. Retail fraud is prosecuted aggressively, partly due to pressure from large retailers that work closely with law enforcement.
Prosecutors emphasize restitution, making the victim financially whole. While they may be reluctant to dismiss a case outright, demonstrating a proactive ability to pay restitution can be a powerful negotiating tool for a favorable plea agreement or sentence.
The Importance of Early Theft Crime Defense
The time between being accused and your first court date is critical. Do not speak to the police or a loss prevention officer without an attorney. Early intervention allows us to:
- Intervene and assert your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent during any police investigation.
- Advocate for a personal recognizance bond or a low cash bond at arraignment to keep you out of jail.
- Begin our own investigation, preserving evidence and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before it gains momentum.
- Explore pre-charge resolutions or diversionary options that may disappear once charges are formally filed.
Early intervention provides the best opportunity to protect your record and your freedom.
Contact Mamat Law for Local Theft Crime Defense in Lansing
If you have been charged with theft in Lansing, Delta Township, East Lansing, or anywhere in Ingham or Eaton County, do not wait to secure expert legal counsel. Mamat Law offers skilled criminal defense with deep roots in the local community and a comprehensive understanding of the judges, prosecutors, and court systems.
We know what is at stake. We offer clear, honest guidance and a steadfast commitment to defending your rights.
Call Mamat Law today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Lansing theft crime lawyer. Let us build the defense you need to protect your future.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.