It’s likely you’ve heard the terms theft, robbery, and larceny before in the context of stealing something that doesn’t belong to you. All these words describe the age-old crime of taking property, services, or money without the consent of the owner. Common laws we’ve inherited from England consider all theft crimes to be larceny. Some states over time began to use the term theft over larceny. Michigan, however, still refers to all acts of theft as larceny. The crime of larceny differs from robbery as it doesn’t require the use of threat of force.
Michigan law outlines several different categories of larceny ranging from a misdemeanor to felony charges. The penalties for these crimes can be relatively minor, but in some cases a larceny offense could result in up to years in prison and expensive fines that could put you in debt. No matter the circumstances, it’s important you take your larceny charges seriously. If you or someone you know has been charged with larceny, we urge you to contact an experienced Michigan theft defense attorney.
Oakland County Theft Defense Attorney, MI
If you or someone you know has been charged with a type of larceny, it’s within your best interest to contact Dallo Law, P.C.. J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. is passionate about helping his clients navigate the criminal justice system with promising results. Not only that, but attorney Dallo has been practicing criminal defense for years and has the knowledge needed to fight any type of theft charge no matter the circumstances. Get started on your defense and call Dallo Law, P.C. today for a free consultation.
Set up your first consultation by calling Dallo Law, P.C. at (248) 283-7000. Our firm accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Pontiac, Troy, Waterford Township, Oakland Charter Township, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Southfield, Bloomfield Hills, Warren, Sterling Heights, Romeo, Utica, Roseville, and Eastpointe.
Information Center:
- Michigan Larceny Laws
- Misdemeanor Larceny Penalties
- Felony Larceny Penalties
- Restitution After a Theft Conviction
- Additional Resources
Michigan Larceny Laws
One of the oldest crimes to man is larceny or theft. Under the Michigan Penal Code Section 750.356, a person is guilty of the act of larceny if they steal any of the following from another:
- Possessions, goods, or money;
- Bank bills, bonds, bank notes, promissory notes or due bills of exchange;
- Books of account;
- Deeds and other writings of conveyance;
- Receipts, defeasances, and releases;
- Processes, writes, and public records; or
- Scrap metal
Misdemeanor Larceny Penalties
The penalties for larceny rely on the value of the goods or services stolen. Michigan law determines the value of these properties based on its current market value. Offenders who stole goods worth less than $200 will be charged with a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty they will receive is up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 or three times the value of the property, whichever amount is greater.
If the property stolen was worth between $200 and $1,000, then the penalties will be enhanced to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Offenders convicted of a second larceny offense will face the same penalties even if the property stolen was less than $200. That is why it’s highly recommended you secure a petty theft Oakland County lawyer if you’ve been arrested for a larceny offense.
Felony Larceny Penalties
The higher the value of the good or service stolen, the more severe the penalties for larceny will be. Individuals convicted of larceny for stealing property or services amounting between $1,000 and $20,000 will face a felony charge. If convicted, the maximum penalty for felony larceny is up to five years imprisonment with a fine of up to $10,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.
This penalty also applies if it’s the individuals second misdemeanor larceny offense involving property over $200 or property was stolen from an automobile or other vehicle. If the stolen good is valued at more than $20,000, then the court will elevate the penalties even further. The offender will instead face up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is more. This penalty also applies to individuals convicted of a third larceny offense.
With such serious penalties, it’s important you have a Oakland County felony theft lawyer by your side if you’re facing major larceny charges.
Restitution After Theft Conviction
Another added component to sentencing for larceny is the possibility of restitution. Under Michigan law, anyone convicted of larceny could be liable to compensate the victim for their monetary losses resulting from the crime. For example, if a person was convicted of stealing an object worth $500, then the court may order that individual to pay $500 towards the victim. This would be in addition to the $2,000 the person would be required to pay for the crime.
If the theft stemmed from a retail store, then specific civil liability laws may come into play. The person convicted of larceny may have to restitute the store owner for ten times the retail price of the property stolen, even if that item wasn’t worth much. The amount must be no less than $50, but no more than $200.
Additional Resources
Larceny Laws in Michigan – Visit the official website for the Michigan Legislature to read up on their larceny laws. Access the site to learn about the definition of larceny under Michigan law, admissible defenses, the various penalties for theft, and other relevant information.
National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) — NASP is a nonprofit organization that was originally founded in 1977 as Shoplifters Anonymous, Inc to help those who are struggling with the impulse of shoplifting. The organization focuses on the study and prevention of shoplifting tendencies in those who can’t control themselves. On this website, you can learn more about NASP’s community programs and educational services.
Larceny Defense Lawyer in Oakland County, MI
Fighting larceny charges can be difficult especially if they have certain evidence involved such as CCTV video. Because of this, having a skilled and experienced theft crimes attorney is a must when going up against misdemeanor or felony larceny charges. If you need legal representation, contact Dallo Law, P.C.. He has been defending those accused of theft for years and has a track record of success. Get in touch with him to learn your legal options and start a defense plan to tackle your charges.
Call Dallo Law, P.C. today at (248) 283-7000 to set up your first consultation free. Dallo Law, P.C. has offices located in Bloomfield Hills, and accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area.