Larceny Defense Lawyer in Michigan
Highly Rated, Nationally Recognized Criminal Defense Attorneys – Dedicated to the Aggressive, Tenacious, and Fearless Defense of Clients Charged with Larceny and Other Theft Offenses.
Experienced and Effective Larceny Defense Attorneys
If you or someone you love is charged with or accused of larceny or theft, a great Michigan larceny defense lawyer will be essential in obtaining the best possible outcome. Whether the allegation is truthful or false, whether someone is guilty or innocent, a lawyer with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can defend you against the charges and potentially help you avoid a conviction, jail, and lengthy probation. We have a well-deserved reputation among courts and prosecutors for being among the top defense attorneys in Southeastern Michigan. Because we are known for our tough, tenacious, and zealous defense of clients, our reputation often allows us to achieve results that other lawyers would not be able to obtain. We will do whatever it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.
What if the allegations are true?
If the allegations are true, it does not mean there is a certainty of a conviction or jail. In most cases, we can help our clients avoid jail, prison, and sometimes probation. Multiple statutes and court rules in Michigan provide avenues to entirely avoid a conviction even if the defendant has admitted their guilt and there is no defense to the case. For example, the Holmes Youthful Training Act (HYTA) is available to young offenders who take responsibility for their actions. Under HYTA, the judge does not enter a conviction.
Other programs available include a First Offender Program in Oakland County, a diversion program in Wayne County, and Federal Pretrial Diversion. In Macomb County, our attorneys often resolve cases with deals under Michigan Court Rule 771.1, a court rule that provides for a delayed sentence for a person of any age and can result in a dismissal of all charges. No matter what county is prosecuting your case, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. will find a way to help you.
False Allegations of Larceny – How Can a Defense Lawyer Help?
False allegations can result in a wrongful conviction without an aggressive, effective defense. A wrongful conviction can cause loss of employment, inability to advance at work, immigration difficulties, damaged reputation, jail, and more.
It is always the prosecutor’s burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person committed larceny. To be guilty of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that a person unlawfully took someone else’s property without the owner’s consent and had the criminal intent to deprive the owner of their property permanently.
When someone falsely accuses our client, we will do what is necessary to prove our client’s innocence, including employing our vast resources, a team of highly experienced criminal defense lawyers, expert investigators, and witnesses. Through careful planning, thorough investigation, in-depth legal research, and fearless, effective representation in court, we can give our client the best possible chance of an acquittal at trial or dismissal before trial.
Defenses to Felony and Misdemeanor Larceny Charges
- The person had a good faith belief that they owned the property or had the right to use it.
- The person accused is the actual owner of the property.
- The alleged victim did not own the property.
- The alleged victim was temporarily deprived of the property (a possible lesser charge).
- The property was of a lesser value than initially alleged (possible lesser charge).
Penalties for Larceny Offenses
The charges and penalties for Larceny in Michigan can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Larceny charges vary in degrees based on the property’s value allegedly stolen. No larceny offense in Michigan requires probation, jail, or prison time. The offenses can be state or federal, be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, and have a maximum jail or prison time ranging from 90 days to a maximum of 10 years in prison. A sentence of up to life in prison is possible if the defendant has prior felony convictions.
Examples of Larceny Charges in Michigan
- Misdemeanor Larceny or Larceny by False Pretenses under $200 – up to 93 days in jail, up to $500 in fines, or three times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater, or both.
- Misdemeanor Larceny between $200-$1000 – up to one year in jail, up to $2000 in fines, or three times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater, or both.
- Felony Larceny between $1000-$20,000 – up to five (5) years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or 3 times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater, or both.
- Felony Larceny between $1000-$20,000 – up to 5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or 3 times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater, or both.
- Felony Larceny over $20,000 – up to 10 years in prison, up to $15,000 in fines, or 3 times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater, or both.
Larceny Defense Lawyers Who Will Faithfully Fight to Protect and Defend You in Michigan
If you trust LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. with your defense, we will extensively review the details of your case by talking with you, interviewing defense witnesses, and thoroughly examining the government’s evidence. When experts or investigators are necessary, we have access to the best experts in the United States and do whatever is necessary to provide the best possible defense.
We regularly discover important details in cases that provide potential defenses that other lawyers would not find. We will carefully and frankly discuss available options and the details of the case with our clients so that they can make informed decisions. Our lawyers will guide you through your case and faithfully and tenaciously protect your rights. If you want a lawyer who will not sell you out and do everything possible to fight for you, the larceny defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are your best hope.
Larceny Defense Lawyers Charging Reasonable Attorney Fees in Michigan
Hiring the right retained larceny defense lawyer can make all the difference in your case, and you may not have a second chance. Your future is too important to bargain hunt for the cheapest lawyer. If you call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation, we will try to find a way to make our fees affordable. We can discuss a payment plan, scheduled payments, credit card payments, hourly rates, and flat fees that may give you the ability. We understand that money is valuable, and anything you spend on legal fees is less you can save and use for your future and family. However, we also understand that having expert criminal defense representation and doing what is necessary to help you get the best possible result is an essential investment.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.