Charged with Theft?

theft lawyer

Ann Arbor Theft Lawyer Defends People Charged with Larceny

If you or someone you love has been charged with a theft offense in Michigan, you need an experienced theft lawyer on your side.

Charges or a conviction for theft can lead to serious consequences and can put someone who was in a bad situation in an even worse one.

You need a lawyer who is tenacious and won’t back down from a fight.

You need Elmen Legal.

Larceny Defense in Michigan

Michigan law refers to theft offenses as larceny. Larceny is the crime of taking property that belongs to another person.

While the penalties for a larceny conviction will vary depending on the value of the property that was taken, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and may include:

  • Jail time
  • Fines and court costs
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Difficulty finding a job or a place to live
  • Loss of a professional license
  • Loss or denial of an immigration visa or green card, denial of a citizenship application, or deportation if you are not an American citizen

Fortunately, you can minimize the likelihood of being convicted of a Michigan theft crime and the severity of the consequences by hiring an experienced and tenacious criminal defense attorney.

Michigan Theft Crimes and Penalties

Larceny is a broad category of crime that covers most theft offenses in Michigan. Depending on the value of the property that was taken, larceny can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies are crimes that are punishable by more than 1 year in prison, while misdemeanors are those crimes punished by less than 1 year in jail.

Property Value

Prison Time

Fine

Felony Theft

More than $20,000

Up to 10 years

Up to $15,000 or 3x the value of the property stolen

$1,000 to $20,000 or auto parts less than $1,000

Up to 5 years

Up to $10,000 or 3x the value of the property stolen

Misdemeanor Theft

$200 to $1,0000

Up to 1 year

Up to $2,000 or 3x the value of the property stolen

Less than $200

Up to 93 days

Up to $500

If you have prior criminal convictions, you may be labeled as a “habitual offender” and subject to even more severe penalties. Each prior felony conviction can lead to a new habitual offender charge, and the sentencing for a habitual offender can quickly become complicated. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain Michigan’s habitual offender label and how it applies in your case.

Robbery and Armed Robbery

If violence is used during a Michigan theft offense, the offender can be charged with robbery. Robbery is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Someone who commits a Michigan theft crime while armed with a dangerous weapon can be charged with armed robbery, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Statute of Limitations on Theft Cases in Michigan

The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time a prosecutor has in which to file criminal charges. If the prosecutor does not bring criminal charges before the time limit has expired, the defendant can seek to have the case dismissed on that basis.

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for misdemeanor cases is six years, while the statute of limitations for a felony case is 10 years.

But just because the statute of limitations has expired does not mean the government cannot file charges. Instead, someone who has been charged with a crime and believes the statute of limitations has expired must raise it as a defense.

Elmen Legal: Aggressive Defense Against Michigan Theft Charges

If you or someone you care about has been charged with larceny, robbery, or armed robbery in Michigan, you need an experienced theft lawyer.

I can help.

During your initial consultation, I will listen as you describe the circumstances that led to your arrest. After our initial meeting, I will conduct my own independent investigation into the facts of your case. I will challenge both the evidence the government will use to try to prove you guilty as well as the manner in which it was collected. And I will fight to get you the best outcome I can under the unique circumstances of your case.

I understand that being charged with a crime is a difficult and stressful time. I will help by acting as your theft lawyer and shouldering some of the emotional burden of a theft charge and will advise you on your rights, help you decide on the best course of action to take, and represent you in court.

I know that a conviction means more than just fines and jail time, and I will offer advice on how to minimize the collateral consequences of a conviction.

As the founder of Elmen Legal, I am proud to offer criminal defense services to people in Ann Arbor, Saline, Pittsfield Township, Chelsea, or Ypsilanti, in Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Ingham, Livingston, and Oakland Counties.

Learn more about Michigan criminal defense attorney Robert Elmen, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and learn why clients choose to work with Elmen Legal.