Kalamazoo Theft Crimes Attorneys

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud

Michigan law refers to shoplifting as "retail fraud," and it comes in three degrees based on the value of the merchandise involved. Even a first offense can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction that appears on background checks and affects your employment prospects for years.

Our attorneys are prepared to scrutinize surveillance footage, review value calculations, and explore every option to keep your record clean.

Larceny

Larceny describes the taking of someone else's property without permission, including theft from a person, vehicle, or building. Michigan penalizes larceny based on dollar value, with felony charges applying once the amount exceeds $1,000.

We challenge how property values are determined, question eyewitness identifications, and examine whether the evidence actually supports what prosecutors are claiming.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money or property diverts it for personal use, most often in an employment or business setting. These cases are often evidence-heavy, involving financial records, electronic communications, and accounting analysis.

Our legal team works with independent financial experts to dispute the prosecution's conclusions and find legitimate explanations for transactions that may look suspicious on the surface.

Home Invasion and Burglary

Home invasion is one of the most serious theft offenses in Michigan, with first-degree charges carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

These cases frequently hinge on eyewitness identification, physical evidence, and cell phone data, all of which can be prone to misinterpretation. We evaluate every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use and point out weaknesses before they become a problem at trial.

Robbery and Armed Robbery

Robbery involves taking property from another person using force or threats of force. In Michigan, armed robbery comes with severe penalties and can trigger federal charges when weapons are involved. These cases often move quickly after arrest, making immediate legal representation critical.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Questions of ownership, consent, and intent can complicate charges of auto theft. We frequently work on cases involving disputes between family members, misunderstandings about borrowed vehicles, and wrongful identifications based on overly general vehicle descriptions.

Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property

You don't have to be the person who stole something to face criminal charges. If prosecutors believe you knowingly accepted stolen property, you could be charged with a felony even without any involvement in the original theft.

These cases come down to what you knew and when. We know how to discredit low-quality evidence that might be used to prove knowledge and intent.

Identity Theft and Financial Fraud

Michigan's identity theft statutes cover conduct ranging from using someone else's credit card to creating false financial documents. These charges commonly appear alongside other theft allegations and can increase the potential penalties considerably. Our defense practice handles both state and federal fraud charges.

Carjacking

Michigan is aggressive when it comes to prosecuting carjacking, which is defined as taking a vehicle from another person by force or threat of force. Mandatory minimum sentences apply in cases involving severe injury or aggravated assault. Federal charges are also a possibility, which is why it’s imperative to retain trustworthy legal counsel right away.

Juvenile Theft Charges

A single theft charge shouldn't derail a young person's future. While Michigan's juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation, theft charges can still result in detention, probation, and records that negatively affect college admissions and future employment opportunities. Our lawyers work to secure alternative programs and diversion options that protect young clients going forward.