When is Theft a Felony in Michigan? 

Under Michigan law, theft is called “larceny,” which is the legal term for the act of stealing property from another person. In this article, we’ll explore the legal definition of larceny in Michigan, the elements of which the prosecution must prove for a conviction, and when theft is a felony in Michigan. To discuss your specific arrest or charges, reach out to one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys from The Law Office of Bradley J. Friedman directly for tailored assistance. 

Michigan Larceny Charges

Larceny is the act of taking or stealing property from the rightful owner without authority. The severity of the crime depends on the value of the property, the circumstances under which the theft occurred, and whether or not the person who engaged in the theft had prior larceny convictions. 

In Michigan, larceny can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. While a misdemeanor should always be taken seriously, the penalties for a felony theft charge can be even more severe. Some allegations that can lead to felony theft charges include:

• Stealing property worth $1,000 to $20,000
• Stealing property worth more than $20,000
• Taking property directly from another person without violence (with violence would be a robbery charge)
• Stealing a firearm or specific vehicle parts
• Having two or more previous convictions for theft on your record

A conviction of these charges can lead to five or even ten years behind bars, as well as fines up to $15,000. When your freedom is at risk, your Michigan defense attorney takes the case seriously and does all that is legally possible to maintain your freedom and have the charges against you dismissed.

Working with Defense Counsel as Early as Possible Helps Your Case

It would be ideal if you could have legal representation by your side from the start of a criminal investigation against you. However, when it comes to larceny, this isn’t always possible, and you might not know of your charges until you are arrested for them. 

When you are arrested, it is essential that you not answer law enforcement questions, as you have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and it is important that you use it. There are many innocent people in jail because they shared too much information with the police that ended up being used against them. It is best to invoke your rights and call a lawyer right then and there.

Many larceny charges are based upon circumstantial evidence, such as being the last person seen around the missing property being charged. Effective defense in such situations is essential and can often lead to a successful challenge of the prosecution’s evidence. The key to winning your case is having experienced attorneys like ours representing you in court.  

Connect with a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Today

For a consultation with our team about your charges and how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your felony theft case, schedule a consultation with The Law Offices of Bradley J. Friedman right away.