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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    Lightbulb Is Retail Fraud a Felony or a Misdemeanor

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: I have never been in trouble with the law this is my first time for reatil fraud I have a clean record. The value of the merchandise was under $200, I live in michigan. Will they send me to jail?


    Somebody please help me with the understanding of this process I have to look forward to.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
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    6,808

    Default Re: Is Retail Fraud a Felony or Misdameanor in Michigan

    You would be advised to get an attorney. While it is a misdemeanor, retail fraud will be on your Criminal Record for 5 years before it can be expunged. It will make job hunting very difficult. You may be turned down for some apartments.

    A lawyer can see if you qualify for a First Time Offenders Program.

    You can expect lawyer costs; court costs and fines; and the store/it's lawyers will send a Civil Demand letter as well. This is separate from the criminal charge. You may be ordered to attend an anti-shoplifting class, community service, and/or probation (which you get to pay for).

    Also....$200 is not a first time shoplifter, it's a first time caught habitual shoplifter. The prosecutor and judge will be taking the amount into consideration.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    3

    Default Re: Is Retail Fraud a Felony or Misdameanor in Michigan

    Thank you @pandorasBox for the info & the item was $153.00

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Default Re: Is Retail Fraud a Felony or Misdameanor in Michigan

    Quote Quoting zaya
    View Post
    The value of the merchandise was under $200, I live in michigan.
    For theft under $200, the offense is a 93 day misdemeanor. See MCL 750.356d.
    Quote Quoting zaya
    Will they send me to jail?
    For a first offense, probably not, but it depends upon the county, your age and the full facts.
    Quote Quoting PandorasBox
    View Post
    While it is a misdemeanor, retail fraud will be on your Criminal Record for 5 years before it can be expunged.
    And it probably won't be expunged.
    Quote Quoting PandorasBox
    Also....$200 is not a first time shoplifter, it's a first time caught habitual shoplifter.
    Probably true. We could be talking about a 17-year-old trying to steal a fancy purse, or a 30-year-old trying to steal... pretty much anything. The teenager, it may be the first time. The thirty-year-old, almost certainly not.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Is Retail Fraud a Felony or Misdameanor in Michigan

    Thank you Mr. Knowitall I am very scared , but this was my first time I was very hesitant about doing it. I decided to go through with it because my sister gets away with it quite often.

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