Oakland County Theft Lawyer

Charged with retail fraud, larceny, or embezzlement? Christopher Brown is an Oakland County theft lawyer and former police officer who once worked in loss prevention. He knows how stores and police build these cases and how to protect your record.

Oakland County Theft Lawyer for Property and Fraud Crimes

Attorney Christopher Brown — Former Police Officer, Now Your Advocate

Recent Theft and Property Crime Results

Retail Fraud Dismissed Without a Plea to Protect a Future Pilot’s Career — Troy

Our client was charged with third-degree retail fraud. The evidence was strong: the store had video, and our client had made an admission. But he was in flight school training to become a commercial pilot, and any conviction, even a delayed sentence that ended in dismissal, would have removed him from the program. We presented the full picture of his circumstances to the prosecutor and convinced the office to place him in an in-house program without a plea being entered. Once he completed the agreed terms, the prosecutor dismissed the case. No plea, no admission of guilt, and no conviction.

Why this matters: A strong case doesn’t have to end in a conviction. The right resolution protected our client’s career without a plea, an admission, or a record.

Felony Retail Fraud Dismissed — Oakland County Circuit Court

Our client was misidentified as the getaway driver for a retail fraud theft ring. His airtight alibi proved he was not involved.

As a result, the felony retail fraud charges against him were dismissed in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court (Oakland County Circuit Court).

Why this matters: Mistaken identity is more common than people think, especially in group theft cases. A well-documented alibi can end a felony case.

Felony Larceny Dismissed at the Preliminary Exam, With No Parole Violation — Pontiac

Our client was charged with larceny of property worth more than $1,000, a felony, while he was on parole. That put him at risk of both a new conviction and a return to prison for violating parole.

At the preliminary examination in the 50th District Court, the prosecution could not meet its burden of proof. The court dismissed the case, and our client faced no parole violation consequences.

Why this matters: For someone on parole or probation, a new theft charge can carry two sets of consequences. Winning at the preliminary exam can stop both.

Breaking and Entering Dismissed at Trial — Farmington Hills

Our client was charged with breaking and entering based on the word of the prosecution’s key witness. That witness had implicated our client to police, but his story did not hold up.

At trial in the 47th District Court, we showed that he had repeatedly lied to police. Once those lies came to light, the prosecutor moved to dismiss the case.

Why this matters: Many theft and property cases rest on one witness. When that witness’s credibility falls apart, so can the case.

See more of our case results

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. Also, these charges can carry serious criminal, financial, and immigration consequences.

However, Attorney Christopher Brown, a former police officer, brings a unique perspective to defending these cases. Because he 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.

Michigan Retail Fraud and Larceny Penalties

In Michigan, the value of the property usually decides whether a theft is a misdemeanor or a felony. Retail fraud (shoplifting) and larceny use these tiers:

A prior conviction can raise the charge to a higher tier, so a low-dollar shoplifting case can become a felony. Prosecutors can also add up the value of separate thefts within 12 months.

Embezzlement and receiving stolen property use similar dollar tiers, and embezzlement of $100,000 or more can carry up to 20 years. An Oakland County theft lawyer should check the value claimed and every prior conviction listed.

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.

For a full guide to retail fraud in Michigan, including each degree, self-checkout accusations, store security, and ways to keep a charge off your record, see our Michigan retail fraud page.

Store Civil Demand Letters

After a shoplifting stop, many people receive a letter from the store or its law firm demanding payment. This is a civil demand, not a criminal fine.

Michigan law lets a store seek the price of unrecovered merchandise plus civil damages, generally 10 times the retail price, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $200.

Paying a civil demand does not dismiss the criminal case. The law expressly allows the prosecution to go forward either way. Before you pay or sign anything, have a lawyer review the demand, because anything you write or sign may be used in the criminal case. An Oakland County theft lawyer can tell you how to respond.

Loss Prevention Stops: What to Know

Loss prevention staff often detain a suspected shoplifter, question them, and ask them to sign a statement. That statement can become the strongest evidence in the case.

Don’t sign an admission without understanding it. Ask for a copy of anything you sign.

We review the full store video, not just the clip the store chooses, along with receipts, self-checkout logs, and the loss prevention report.

Shoplifting cases are common at large shopping areas, such as Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and the stores along Telegraph Road in Southfield.

Michigan Home Invasion and Breaking and Entering Penalties

Home invasion is one of the most serious property charges in Michigan. It means entering a dwelling without permission, with the intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or committing one of those offenses while inside.

The degree depends on the circumstances:

Whether the building was a “dwelling,” whether permission existed, and what the person intended at the moment of entry often decide which charge applies, or whether any applies at all.

See how we got a first-degree home invasion charge dismissed in Westland.

Receiving Stolen Property and UDAA

Receiving or concealing stolen property requires proof that you knew, or had reason to know, the property was stolen. Simply having it is not enough. Like larceny, the penalties rise with the value.

Unlawfully driving away an automobile (UDAA) is a five-year felony. It means taking someone else’s vehicle without permission.

The prosecution does not have to prove you meant to keep it, so “I was going to bring it back” is not a defense by itself. Permission and authority are usually the key questions.

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. Ultimately, successful completion means the record is sealed and the charge dismissed.

Restitution

If you are convicted, the court will generally order restitution to cover the victim’s actual loss. Restitution is separate from a store’s civil demand, and the amount must be supported by evidence. It is not automatically what the store or the complainant claims.

Restitution can also shape the outcome. Paying it early may help support a reduced charge, a deferral, or a better sentence.

HYTA, Delayed Sentencing, and Expungement

HYTA: For offenses committed between ages 18 and 25, HYTA can lead to dismissal without a conviction. From age 21 on, the prosecutor must agree.

Delayed sentencing: A judge can delay sentencing for up to one year, giving you a chance to earn a reduced or dismissed charge.

Expungement: Many theft convictions can later be set aside. The general waiting periods are three years for one misdemeanor, five years for one felony or a serious misdemeanor, and seven years for multiple felonies.

Some convictions may also be set aside automatically under Michigan’s Clean Slate law.

Embezzlement & Fraud Investigations

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

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

Embezzlement From an Employer

Embezzlement is more than “stealing from work.” The prosecution must prove you were entrusted with the money or property because of your job or role, and that you intentionally converted it without permission.

Many cases begin as bookkeeping disputes, unclear authority, or disagreements over compensation.

Penalties follow the value, from a 93-day misdemeanor under $200 up to 20 years for $100,000 or more. Separate amounts can be added together.

Early involvement can sometimes resolve a case through restitution before charges are filed.

Identity Theft and False Pretenses

Identity theft means using someone else’s personal identifying information to obtain credit, money, goods, services, or employment. A first offense carries up to 5 years and a $25,000 fine, rising to 15 years for a third offense.

False pretenses means obtaining money or property through a lie about a fact or a promise. It follows value tiers similar to larceny, up to 20 years for $100,000 or more.

How an Oakland County Theft Lawyer Defends Your Case

As a former Detroit police officer (1996–2003), Christopher Brown knows how theft cases are built, from the store’s loss prevention report to the police investigation. We look at every element:

• Intent: Was it an accident, a scanning error, a misunderstanding, or an accounting mistake?
• Ownership and permission: Did you have a right to the property, or authority to handle the money?
• Value: Is the claimed value accurate? Value often decides misdemeanor versus felony.
• Video: Does the full store video show the whole transaction, not just a selected clip?
• Statements: What were you told before you signed anything, and was it a full and fair account?

Common Mistakes After a Theft Accusation

• Signing a loss prevention admission without reading it or getting a copy
• Giving a detailed explanation to police before talking to a lawyer
• Assuming that paying a civil demand ends the criminal case
• Assuming a low-dollar case can’t be a felony
• Failing to save receipts, messages, or other evidence that supports your side
• Contacting the store, the complainant, or witnesses about the case

Immigration & Citizenship Consequences

In addition, under federal immigration law, theft, larceny, and fraud offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude. As a result, 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. Above all, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Michigan

Is shoplifting a felony in Michigan?

It can be. Shoplifting (retail fraud) of $1,000 or more is a felony. A lower amount can also become a felony if you have a prior theft conviction.

Do I have to pay the store’s civil demand letter?

The civil demand is separate from the criminal case, and paying it does not make the charge go away. Talk to a lawyer before paying or responding.

Can a first-time theft charge be kept off my record?

Often, yes. Depending on your age, record, and the charge, options may include a dismissal, HYTA, a delayed sentence, or a reduction to a non-theft offense.

What is the difference between retail fraud and larceny?

Retail fraud is theft from a store, including price switching and refund fraud. Larceny is the general theft charge for property taken from anyone else. Both use similar dollar tiers.

Can a theft conviction be expunged in Michigan?

Many can. The waiting period depends on how many convictions you have and whether they are misdemeanors or felonies.

Protect Your Record With an Oakland County Theft Lawyer

Michigan grades retail fraud by the value of the property under MCL 750.356c and MCL 750.356d. Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can hurt your job prospects and professional licenses. However, many first-time cases qualify for a delayed sentence, HYTA, or another outcome that keeps a record clean. An Oakland County theft lawyer can guide you to the best option. Theft cases sometimes begin with a police investigation before charges or involve juvenile defendants. We also defend retail fraud cases in Southfield and throughout Oakland County. Call (248) 468-1468 for a free consultation.