Theft & Property Crimes

Michigan Theft, Property & Fraud Crimes Defense Attorney

Attorney Christopher Brown — Former Police Officer, Now Your Advocate

Michigan Theft, Larceny, Fraud, and Property Crimes

The Michigan Penal Code contains a wide range of theft and property-related offenses — from minor shoplifting to complex embezzlement and fraud schemes. These charges can carry serious criminal, financial, and immigration consequences.

Attorney Christopher Brown, a former police officer, brings a unique perspective to defending these cases. Having investigated theft and fraud as an officer, he understands exactly how law enforcement builds these cases — what evidence they rely on, how they question suspects, and where their investigations often go wrong. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to protect his clients and dismantle weak prosecutions before they gain momentum.

Common Theft and Property-Related Offenses

Christopher Brown handles every type of theft and fraud case in Metro Detroit, including:

• Arson
• Check & Insufficient Funds
• Credit Card Fraud
• Embezzlement
• False Pretenses
• Forgery
• Home Invasion
• Insurance Fraud
• Larceny / Larceny in a Building
• Malicious Destruction of Property
• Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property
• Retail Fraud (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree)
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
• Uttering & Publishing
• Vulnerable Adult Crimes

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges

When charged with a property or theft-related offense, the first step is determining whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony:

• Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 1 year in jail, handled in district court.
• Felony – Punishable by more than 1 year in state prison, handled in circuit court.

Even a misdemeanor conviction can carry long-term damage, including loss of eligibility for a Concealed Pistol License (for 3 to 8 years), travel restrictions (e.g., Canada denial), and severe immigration impacts for non-citizens.

Retail Fraud (Shoplifting) Cases in Metro Detroit

Retail fraud — Michigan’s legal term for shoplifting — is one of the most common property crimes prosecuted in Oakland and Macomb Counties. Large retailers such as Meijer, Target, Walmart, and Kohl’s work closely with loss-prevention and local police to pursue charges aggressively.  Notably, Attorney Brown worked as a plain clothes loss prevention agent while working his way through college.

Attorney Brown frequently obtains dismissals or non-criminal outcomes for first-time offenders, including probationary resolutions and charge reductions that keep records clean and protect future employment prospects.

Legal Strategies to Protect Your Record

Depending on your background and the facts of the case, Attorney Brown may pursue:

• Dismissal or deferred prosecution under Michigan law
• First-offender or diversion programs
• HYTA status (available for youthful offenders ages 18 to 25)
• Charge amendments to avoid deportation consequences
• Restitution settlements to prevent felony filing
• Aggressive defense at trial when evidence is weak or unreliable

Many Metro Detroit courts — including those in Troy, Sterling Heights, Warren, and Clinton Township — are open to granting HYTA to young clients. Successful completion means the record is sealed and the charge dismissed.

Embezzlement & Fraud Investigations

White-collar theft cases such as embezzlement and false pretenses often begin with an ongoing police investigation. Law enforcement may contact the accused to “get a statement” or request a polygraph.

Do not talk to investigators before consulting Attorney Brown. As a former police officer, he knows these tactics and how statements can be twisted against you. Early legal intervention can prevent charges or position the case for a favorable outcome.

Immigration & Citizenship Consequences

Under federal immigration law, theft, larceny, and fraud offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude. Any conviction — even a misdemeanor — can lead to deportation or denial of citizenship.

Attorney Brown works with interpreters and immigration counsel when necessary to protect clients who are not U.S. citizens.

Why Clients Choose Attorney Christopher Brown

• Former Police Officer Advantage: Knows how investigators think and how to challenge weak or incomplete evidence.
• Strategic Defense: Identifies errors in police work, evidence handling, or witness credibility to build leverage for dismissal or reduction.
• Local Court Experience: Represents clients in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and St. Clair Counties.
• Personal Attention: Clients receive direct communication and clear, realistic legal advice at every stage.

Contact Attorney Christopher Brown

Being investigated or charged with theft or fraud is overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney Brown’s background in law enforcement gives him the insight to protect your rights and keep your record clean.

Call Today: (248) 468-1468

Office: Troy, Michigan

Serving: Oakland • Macomb • Wayne • Washtenaw Counties.

Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments available. Jail visits and payment plans accepted. All major credit cards welcome.