Is Shoplifting a Felony?
If you are facing a Michigan Retail Fraud Charge, you probably have a lot of questions. Retail fraud is often looked at as a minor offense. Most people assume this is a minor crime that would be simple to deal with, not carrying a harsh punishment. At worst, it is presumed that a few days in jail is as bad as it gets for a Shoplifting offense. If you are facing a Retail Fraud charge in Michigan you owe it to yourself to consult with an experienced Michigan shoplifting attorney. We understand that this is a situation that may hard to talk about, but it is not worth risking letting this follow you for the rest of your life. A top Michigan Retail Fraud Attorney can help guide you through this and it is often possible to keep this off your record. The best way to handle a shoplifting charge is to let us handle it for you.
What is Organized Retail Fraud?
Michigan is getting more strict on shoplifting crimes. Prosecutors will look for intent to resell in order to determine if the case qualifies to be charged under the Michigan Organized Retail Fraud Charge. In 2012 Michigan State Representative Joseph Graves introduced a new law, Michigan Organized Crime Retail Law, that would make it possible for a person convicted with a shoplifting crime to face up to five years in prison if convicted. This new law, Michigan organized crime retail law, easily passed and went into effect in 2013.
When is selling on Ebay a Crime?
Even though the Michigan Organized Crime Retail Law states that a convicted person can face up to a five year term in prison, it is still largely dependant on if there was intent to resell. For a person to be convicted and sentenced with a five year prison term it must first be proven that the shoplifting took place with the intent to resell the stolen goods. For this to be done prosecutors will look for evidence such as an ebay listing or a craigslist ad, this implies that the goods were intended to be resold. Although proving intent to resell can be hard for prosecutors, a retail fraud attorney will know how to deal with this element of the Retail Crime Act.
Maze Legal can assist you with your retail fraud charge. Call today and speak directly with Attorney William J. Maze. Let us answer your questions and help put this behind you. Many people find themselves dealing with a shoplifting charge because of a bad decision. The best way to change the outcome is by taking control of the situation and seeking the help of a highly qualified Michigan Criminal Attorney. Let us help you navigate the system and obtain the best possible result for your situation.
William Maze has the knowledge it takes to look for even the small details that can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Handling cases in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Novi, Livonia, Warren, St.Clair Shores, Trenton, Ypsilanti and many other Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw County Courts. Representing clients in courts across Michigan has allowed William Maze to gain insight the nuances of each Michigan court.
Call Maze Legal Today 24/7 for a free consultation, or contact us online.
