Legal Guidance From A Criminal Theft Attorney In Metro Detroit

Last updated on August 17, 2026

An accusation of theft can make you feel like your entire world is closing in. You worry about your family, your job and how your neighbors or co-workers will treat you.

I have spent over 30 years as a criminal law attorney in metro Detroit, including time as a Wayne County prosecutor. At my criminal defense firm, the Carl Jordan Law Firm, I offer free consultations to help you understand your options immediately. My goal as your theft lawyer is to lift my clients’ legal burdens and provide a clear, logical path forward.

Defense Against Different Types Of Theft Charges

Michigan law covers different actions under the umbrella of property theft, and I have the experience necessary to defend you against any of these specific charges.

• Petty theft and shoplifting
• Grand theft
• Auto theft and carjacking
• First-, second- and third-degree burglary
• Armed and unarmed robbery
• Theft by deception or fraud
• Receiving stolen property
• Identity theft
• Theft of services
• Employee theft and embezzlement
• Retail theft
• Organized retail crime
• Pickpocketing
• Cargo theft

No matter the specific charge, I will provide a dedicated defense tailored to your case.

Understanding Michigan’s Theft Classifications

Theft usually involves taking property without using force. Robbery occurs when someone uses force or threats against a person to take their property. Meanwhile, burglary, or home invasion, involves entering a structure to commit a crime inside.

In Michigan, the law also classifies theft based on the value of the property involved. These value thresholds determine if the state charges you with a misdemeanor or a serious felony.

A misdemeanor generally involves smaller amounts and carries shorter jail times. Meanwhile, a felony conviction involves higher values and can lead to years in state prison. Prior convictions also change how the state handles your case because Michigan law allows for harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

The Potential Consequences Of A Theft Conviction

A conviction changes your life in ways that go far beyond the courtroom. It can lead to:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines and restitution to victims
• Criminal record implications
• Impact on employment and professional licenses
• Immigration consequences for noncitizens
• Loss of civil rights (for felonies)
• Probation conditions
• Community service requirements

As your theft defense attorney, I will work tirelessly to minimize these life-altering impacts.

Your Defense Strategies Against Theft Charges

Effective defense strategies against theft charges often challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove specific criminal intent. For example, a strong defense may demonstrate that the accused held a good faith belief of ownership or acted under a mistake of fact regarding the property.

You can also seek to review police conduct to identify any violations of constitutional rights during a search or seizure. Other strategies include proving the owner provided consent or showing that the evidence fails to establish an intent to permanently deprive the owner of their belongings.

When the government’s case lacks sufficient proof, these strategies create a path toward a potential dismissal or a reduction of penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been accused of theft in Michigan, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that an accusation is not the same as a conviction, and you have legal rights and options that may help protect your future.

What is the difference between theft, burglary and robbery charges?

Theft means taking someone else’s property without permission and with intent to deprive the owner of it. Michigan’s theft laws include embezzlement, receiving and concealing stolen property, shoplifting, and other property crimes.

Burglary is different because it involves entering a building, house, store or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, even if no theft actually happens. Robbery is more serious because it involves taking property from a person by force, violence or assault.

What are the penalties for a theft conviction in Michigan?

The penalties for a theft conviction in Michigan depend on the type of theft and the value of the property involved. Some lower value theft offenses are misdemeanors, while higher value theft offenses are felonies. The legal consequences may include jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. Courts can also order repayment for the stolen property or damages.

How much money or property value makes theft a felony?

In Michigan, the dollar amount or property value matters a lot in deciding whether theft is a misdemeanor or felony. For theft offenses, property valued at less than $200 is often a misdemeanor, while higher values can become felonies. Because Michigan has multiple theft statutes, the exact threshold can vary depending on whether the charge is larceny, retail fraud, embezzlement or another theft offense.

Can I be charged with theft if I meant to return the item at a later date?

Yes, you can still be charged with theft even if you intended to return the item. In Michigan theft cases, one of the key issues is intent. If the prosecutor can show that you took the property without permission and intended to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of it, that can be enough.

Even a temporary taking may qualify if the owner was deprived of use during that time. Stating “I was going to bring it back” does not defeat the charge, especially if the facts show you acted without authorization.

What should I do if I am accused of theft?

If you are accused of theft, the most crucial thing is to avoid making statements to the police or the alleged victim without a lawyer present. Do not try to explain everything on the spot because statements can be used against you. Gather any helpful evidence, such as receipts, texts, emails, witness names or proof you had permission to use the item.

To ensure you can protect your rights, contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Can theft charges in Michigan be dismissed?

Yes, theft charges in Michigan can sometimes be dismissed. Dismissal may happen if the prosecutor does not have enough evidence, if the item value was overstated, if the police violated your constitutional rights or if there is a mistaken identity issue. Sometimes, charges can also be reduced, diverted or resolved through deferred sentencing or plea agreements, depending on the facts and your record.

What evidence is used in a theft case?

In a Michigan theft case, evidence may include surveillance video, eyewitness testimony, store loss-prevention reports, receipts, inventory records, phone records, fingerprints, police body camera footage and the recovered property itself.

In employee theft or embezzlement cases, prosecutors may also use financial records, bank statements, accounting records, transaction logs and computer records. The prosecution must connect the evidence to both the taking and the required intent.

Is intent required to prove theft?

Yes, intent is required to prove theft. Michigan theft crimes require the prosecutor to prove you acted knowingly and with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. Accidental taking or lack of criminal intent can be important defenses. However, intent can often be inferred from actions and circumstances, such as leaving without paying, altering price tags or refusing to return property after demand. Because intent is often proven indirectly, theft cases can be very fact-specific.

Is it possible for someone to charge me with theft for taking something that belongs to me?

Theft charges should not apply when you take property that belongs to you. A theft charge would require taking someone else’s property without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of it permanently. However, disputes can happen if ownership is unclear, if the item is jointly owned or if you take property that is in someone else’s possession.

What is petty theft?

Petty theft refers to stealing property of relatively low value. The exact dollar amount depends on the state. In Michigan, the law often uses terms like “larceny” and classifies the offense by the value of the property taken. Lower value thefts are treated as misdemeanors, while higher value thefts can be felonies. Even a petty theft charge can still have lasting consequences, including a criminal record, fines and future challenges to your career and housing.

What is grand theft?

Grand theft is a serious category of theft, usually involving property above a certain value threshold or certain types of property that the law treats more severely. In Michigan, value divides theft offenses into misdemeanor or felony levels rather than using the label “grand theft” in the same way some other states do. The more valuable the property, the more serious the charge and penalties. It is crucial for individuals facing theft charges to seek early legal intervention to protect their rights.

Can theft charges in Michigan affect my background checks or employment?

Yes, theft charges can affect background checks and employment. Even an arrest can appear on some background checks, and a conviction is especially likely to show up. Employers often view theft-related offenses seriously because they can suggest dishonesty or trust issues, which can matter for jobs involving money, property or vulnerable people.

The impact depends on whether the charge was dismissed, reduced or resulted in a conviction. If you have a specific situation, it’s important to look at the exact charge and your record status.

Work With Me Today For A Comprehensive Theft Defense

I provide the aggressive defense representation you need because I understand how metro Detroit courts and prosecutors operate. My decades of experience give me a deep understanding of Michigan theft charges and how to challenge them. To discuss your case in full confidentiality, call my law office today at 248-791-2792 or complete this form to schedule your free initial consultation with me.