Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Me and a friend recently got fired from our job at a major retail chain (We're also banned from the store and all it's other locations). She worked in the same company but in a different location. The police showed up for me at work but said they couldn't arrest me because I wasn't caught actually leaving the store with items in my pockets, they also said it was out of jurisdiction since this crime took place between two employees hired by the same company but working in two different cities.
Together we took close to $2,000 dollars. From work we both had to sign an explanation and sign to the amount we stole. She was told this was to waive the company from taking her to civil court, but I was told nothing.
The police-officers basically told me nothing. They kept saying it was extortion, embezzlement, and were really hesitant to answer my questions about what was going to happen. I wasn't arrested but they said I would get a warrant for my arrest and be booked definitely. They said something would come in the mail.
My friend signed a payment plan with the company to reimburse them over 12 months, around $150 payment every month, but I was never allowed that option even though this was a joint crime, where she would come into my store and I would ring her up for almost $700 dollars each time and she would REALLY only pay for two or three cheap items. The police also told me that we would be charged for the same crime because Michigan doesn't acknowledge accomplices.
We're just 19, have NOTHING on our records and really regret this stupid, stupid decision. It's really eating us both inside and we have so much shame. We just want to know what's going on and the best way to handle the situation and maybe to be able to finally sleep at night.
Thank You.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
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We just want to know what's going on and the best way to handle the situation and maybe to be able to finally sleep at night.
You answer the subpoena when it comes. Get an attorney - now would be good - to help you sort out what your potential punishment may be, and do exactly as you're told.
Pay any restitution you're required to pay on time, no excuses. If you're fortunate enough to get probation, keep your nose clean.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
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LawResearcherMissy
You answer the subpoena when it comes.
Would we get one? Or would there just be a court document sent to us in the mail telling us to show up for a hearing? Because wouldn't a subpoena be for a witness? I'm not completely sure.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
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Pineapples
Would we get one? Or would there just be a court document sent to us in the mail telling us to show up for a hearing? Because wouldn't a subpoena be for a witness? I'm not completely sure.
The correct term is summons.
It is an order for you to show up for court to answer to a crime you have allegedly committed.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
And for felony theft?
Yeah, you are getting one.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
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seniorjudge
The correct term is summons.
I sit corrected.
Thanks Judge!
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
So basically just get a lawyer, or talk to one?
What is the BEST that could happen. We really don't want to go to jail or have a felony on our records forever.
Just showing up at the court date with no lawyer and pleading Guilty will cause us to be convicted felons, Correct? Which is a REAL bad thing.
Re: Michigan Embezzlement At Major Retail Chain
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Quoting
Pineapples
So basically just get a lawyer, or talk to one?
What is the BEST that could happen. We really don't want to go to jail or have a felony on our records forever.
Just showing up at the court date with no lawyer and pleading Guilty will cause us to be convicted felons, Correct? Which is a REAL bad thing.
Get an attorney. Tomorrow.
The best that could happen? You would be found innocent of all charges and be released.
I give that less than a 3% chance.
Maybe, you could get it bartered down to a misdemeanor. This will still show up on background checks that future employers conduct.
No matter what the courts say, you are never going to be able to work for a retail organization again. Retailers share this kind of information with each other.
Good luck.