Shoplifting Lawyer in Grand Rapids

Defending Your Future After A Shoplifting Charge—Call (616) 227-3737

If you or your child has been accused of shoplifting, you are probably worried about what happens next. A moment in a store can suddenly turn into court dates, fear about your record, and questions you have never had to ask before. You may not know whether you need a shoplifting lawyer in Grand Rapids or what a lawyer can actually do.

At Tanis Schultz, we defend people facing theft charges throughout West Michigan from our Grand Rapids office. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we approach each case as a team. We work to protect your record, your reputation, and your future, and we start by listening without judgment.

Contact a shoplifting lawyer in Grand Rapids at Tanis Schultz for a free consultation. With over 50 years of combined experience, we are ready to fight for you. Call us at (616) 227-3737 or reach out online. Same-day appointments and after-hours availability for urgent situations.

Understanding Michigan Retail Fraud (Shoplifting) Degrees

Michigan law (MCL 750.356c and 356d) categorizes retail fraud into three degrees based on the value of the property and your prior criminal history. Navigating these distinctions is essential for a successful defense.

• Retail Fraud 3rd Degree: This is a misdemeanor involving property valued at less than $200. It is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines of up to $500 (or three times the value of the stolen goods).
• Retail Fraud 2nd Degree: This is a more serious misdemeanor for property valued between $200 and $1,000, or if you have a prior retail fraud conviction. It carries up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.
• Retail Fraud 1st Degree: This is a felony charge involving property valued at $1,000 or more, or a 2nd-degree offense with a prior theft conviction. Conviction can result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

A Grand Rapids shoplifting attorney from our firm can help you contest these values and work toward a reduction or dismissal.

Collateral Consequences of a Shoplifting Conviction in Grand Rapids

Besides fines and the possibility of jail time, retail fraud convictions may include probation, community service, and a court order to repay the store. For some people, the real damage is the criminal record. 

Theft offenses on a background check can affect employment, housing applications, professional licenses, college admissions, and financial aid. Immigrants may also face added risks if a shoplifting conviction is viewed as a crime involving moral turpitude.

If you are charged in or around Grand Rapids, your case will typically begin with an arraignment in a district court such as the 61st District Court or another West Michigan district court, depending on where the incident happened. 

The court usually explains the charges, sets bond conditions, and schedules future dates. What happens after that can vary, which is one reason having a shoplifting criminal lawyer in Grand Rapids involved as early as possible can be important.

How Our Shoplifting Defense Team Helps You

When you contact our firm about a shoplifting case, we start by learning the details of what happened from your point of view. We review the police report, store security reports, and any available surveillance video. Our attorneys look closely at how store personnel and law enforcement handled the situation and whether your rights were respected at each step.

Because we work as a team, you benefit from the combined insight of multiple criminal defense lawyers. Our attorneys share ideas about potential defenses, motions, and negotiation strategies that fit the facts of your case and your history. This team approach can be especially valuable in a shoplifting criminal defense in Grand Rapids, where small details, such as what a camera can actually see, may change the outcome.

Depending on the circumstances, our goal may be to seek a dismissal, argue for reduced charges, or explore diversion and other alternatives that can help you avoid a permanent conviction when that is available. We do not promise specific results, but we do work to put you in the best position possible by preparing thoroughly and pushing for fair treatment from the prosecution and the court.

When you hire our team, you can expect us to focus on key issues such as:

• Whether store security or police followed the law when stopping, detaining, and questioning you
• What the video and other physical evidence actually show and what they do not show
• Whether the value of the items has been calculated correctly under Michigan law
• How your prior record, if any, may affect charging decisions and possible resolutions
• Which options might reduce the long term impact on your record and your future

Our firm has experience litigating against powerful corporations and government institutions. That experience informs how we approach negotiations with prosecutors and large retailers in shoplifting cases. We are prepared to question assumptions and push back when the other side takes an unreasonable position.

Speak with a Grand Rapids shoplifting attorney at Tanis Schultz about our proactive defense strategies. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options. Call (616) 227-3737 or fill out our online form today.