Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

retail fraud 3rd

My wife was arreseted yesterday for retail fraud it was a grocery store she scanned a coupon for 2.00 off and put a another coupon for another amount not what she bought in the bin it was 2 coupons for 2.00 so total of 4.00 but they also have a secuirty camara picture of her at another store doing the same thing. She has to go in and be fingr printed and mug shot then a court date and also pay the store like 180.00 for civil foines. What will happen to her at the court date. she is 45 and nothing on her record. will she get jaoil time over $8.00 mistake


Asked on 5/19/09, 4:01 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: retail fraud 3rd

No jail. She probably won't even get probation if it's handled right.

You also have the option of not paying the $180 which is a civil fine and won't affect your criminal case.

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Answered on 5/20/09, 12:03 pm

Re: retail fraud 3rd

Your wife should not go to court without an experienced attorney to help protect her. I suggest you read about this at:

www.AggressiveCriminalDefense.com

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Answered on 5/19/09, 4:02 pm
Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Re: retail fraud 3rd

with the right attorney, not only can this result in no jail time, it could be kept off her criminal record. Visit www.kliszlaw.com to discuss. Tim Klisz

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Answered on 5/19/09, 4:31 pm
Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

Re: retail fraud 3rd

There are 3 different degrees of retail fraud; and your wife is charged with the least severe of the 3. Just remember it is a criminal misdemeanor and punishable by fines and/or jail. Often, Judges do not impose jail at sentencing, especially if she has no prior convictions. However, if convicted, it will remain on her criminal record for the rest of her life. There are ways to keep her record clean with the assistance of a criminal attorney. Just because it was $8.00, it is not a matter to be taken lightly. If in fact, it was a mistake and she did not intend to steal, the prosecutor will have a hard time proving the elements of the crime against your wife, particularily, the 'mens rae' (subjective intend). AGAIN, you ought not walk into that Court or speak to the police without an attorney.

Good Luck.

Daniel Hajji

248.865.4700

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Answered on 5/19/09, 5:19 pm


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