Theft Crimes
Michigan Theft Crimes Defense
Theft charges in Michigan cover a wide range of conduct—from shoplifting and receiving stolen property to major felony offenses like burglary or embezzlement. Even seemingly minor accusations can lead to criminal penalties, restitution, a permanent record, and damage to employment or professional licensing. Whether the allegation involves a misunderstanding, false accusation, or lack of intent, an experienced defense strategy is essential.
Below is an overview of the most common theft-related offenses in Michigan and how a strong legal defense can protect your future.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves accusations of unlawfully taking money or property that was entrusted to you—often within an employer–employee relationship. These cases require a careful review of financial records, workplace procedures, access logs, and whether the alleged conduct was intentional or the result of accounting errors or miscommunication.
Larceny
Larceny refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. Michigan categorizes larceny based on the value of the property involved. Higher-value thefts carry harsher penalties, including felony charges. Defenses may involve challenging intent, identity, or ownership and questioning the credibility of witnesses or surveillance evidence.
Retail Fraud / Shoplifting
Retail fraud, commonly known as shoplifting, includes taking merchandise, altering price tags, or attempting to conceal items. Penalties increase based on the value of the goods and prior convictions. Video evidence, loss prevention procedures, and witness statements often play key roles in these cases.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto involves taking or unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle. Michigan law imposes severe penalties for vehicle-related theft crimes. These cases often require examination of ownership records, key access, surveillance footage, and whether the alleged conduct was authorized or mistaken.
Burglary
Burglary typically involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime. These cases often include allegations tied to forced entry, property damage, or theft. Defense strategies may challenge intent, mistaken identity, or unlawful search and seizure.
Breaking & Entering
Breaking and entering involves unauthorized entry into a building, home, or vehicle. These charges can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances. Issues involving access, permission, and intent to commit a crime are central to defending these cases.
Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving or possessing stolen property occurs when someone is accused of buying, selling, or holding property they allegedly knew—or should have known—was stolen. These cases rely heavily on the accused person’s knowledge, the chain of custody, and the credibility of law enforcement investigations.
Degrees of Theft in Michigan
Michigan classifies theft offenses by value:
- Under $200 (misdemeanor)
- $200–$1,000 (misdemeanor, higher penalties)
- $1,000–$20,000 (felony)
- Over $20,000 (high-severity felony)
The value alleged by the prosecution often determines whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, which makes accurate appraisal and evidence review essential.
Defense Strategies for Theft Crimes
Effective defenses may involve:
- Challenging intent
- Demonstrating lack of knowledge of stolen property
- Showing mistaken identity or misidentification
- Challenging surveillance or witness testimony
- Disputing value assessments
- Highlighting errors in police investigations or constitutional violations
Each case is unique, and an experienced attorney can adapt the defense to the specific facts and evidence.
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