Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
Somerset mall is one of the premiere shopping destinations in Michigan. It is known for its collection of high end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and others. One of the issues that Somerset Mall and its merchants guard against is shoplifting.
Somerset Mall and its merchants employ a number of different tactics to prevent retail fraud:
- Highly trained loss prevention associates and mall security;
- High quality cameras to monitor suspicious activity;
- The use of theft detection devices;
- Close, working relationship with the city of Troy Police Department.
These tactics go hand in hand with strong prosecution. They do not give out warnings -prosecution is a certainty if there is probable cause to believe that shoplifting occurred. The reason for this is to deter retail theft. They are sending a message that retail fraud will not be tolerated. The prosecuting agencies for the city of Troy: the city of Troy Attorney and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office always follow through with complaints to prosecute shoplifting.
A ticket or an arrest for retail fraud will lead to a court date at the 52/4 District Court in Troy Michigan. A ticket of an arrest for retail fraud will require the legal representation of a lawyer that specializes in retail fraud cases.
The most commonly prosecuted shoplifting offenses at the 52/4 District Court are as follows:
- Retail Fraud ordinance violation. This offense is handled by the city of Troy attorney and carries up to 93 days in jail. The city of Troy typically prosecutes the petty theft offenses.
- Retail Fraud 3rd Degree. This offense is handled by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office and carries up to 93 days in the Oakland County Jail. This involves shoplifting in which the merchandise has a price of under $200.
- Retail Fraud 2nd Degree. This is also prosecuted by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s offices and is punishable for up to 1 year in the Oakland County Jail. This involves shoplifting with merchandise that is from $200 but less than $1000. This can also occur when a Retail Fraud 3rd degree is committed and the individual has a prior theft record.
- Retail Fraud 1st Degree. This is a 4 year prison maximum felony that can be prosecuted by either the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office or in some instances the Michigan Attorney General’s office. This occurs when the price of the merchandise is $1000 or more. It can also occur when a Retail Fraud 2nd Degree is committed and the individual has a prior theft record.
- Organized Retail Theft. This is a 4 year prison maximum felony that can be prosecuted by either the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office or in some instances the Michigan Attorney General’s office. This crime is essentially shoplifting with the intent to resell the merchandise.
Even though incarceration is possible, it often can be avoided with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer that specializes in retail fraud cases.
Why do you need an experienced retail fraud lawyer:
First, the experienced lawyer can help you obtain a reasonable bond;
Second, the experience lawyer will give you the right advice;
Third, the experienced lawyer will properly defend the case at trial, if necessary;
Fourth, the experienced lawyer will work to obtain the best possible result through negotiation, if the matter does not proceed to trial. When possible, the experienced lawyer will try to help you avoid a theft conviction on your record;
Fifth, the experienced lawyer will help give you the confidence that your case is handled in the best possible way.
For shoplifting cases from Somerset Mall it is recommended that you hire attorney Daniel Hilf from Hilf & Hilf, PLC. Hilf & Hilf, PLC is located at 1775 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy Michigan. It is located approximately a half mile west of the 52/4 District Court and a quarter mile east of Somerset Mall.