Larceny and Receiving Stolen Property
In Michigan, there are numerous crimes which pertain to larceny, theft, stealing and receiving stolen property. When the crime occurs at a retail establishment (shoplifting), the crime is called retail fraud. If a person is found in possession of stolen property, the crime is called receiving and or concealing stolen property.
| Crime | Maximum Michigan Penalty |
|---|---|
| Car Theft | 5 years imprisonment (felony) |
| Larceny from motor Vehicle | 5 years imprisonment |
| Larceny in a building | 4 years imprisonment |
| Larceny $20,000 or more | 10 years imprisonment and/or fine $15,000 or 3x value |
| Larceny $1,000 to $20,000 | 5 years imprisonment and/or fine $10,000 or 3x value |
| Larceny $200 to $1,000 | 1 year imprisonment and/or fine $2,000 or 3x value |
| Larceny Under $200 | 93 days and/or fine $500 or 3x value |
The laws which make it crime to receive stolen property are intended to discourage possession and/or purchasing stolen property. In Michigan, the penalties for receiving stolen property are based upon the value of the property (same as larceny statutes). Innocent possession of stolen property without knowledge that it is stolen is not a crime. In trials for receiving stolen property the jury is instructed to consider such things as:
- The price paid for the property
- What the defendant (accused) said about the property
- Whether the defendant (accused) knows the seller of the property and has a receipt
- Whether the property was concealed
- Whether identification and serial numbers were removed from property
Similar to the crimes of embezzlement, credit card fraud and other theft crimes, larceny offenders need to be presented properly in the court system. In certain situations, there may be economic reasons for the offender’s conduct. We have also had situations involving larceny where the offender has psychological problems or acted irrationally after taking prescribed medications. Our firm may encourage psychological counseling or medical attention during the court process. The offender’s prior criminal history is also relevant.
Virtually all retail fraud, larceny, shoplifting and receiving stolen property cases are economic crimes which can label the offender as a dishonest person. A person may lose citizenship, employment or educational opportunities because of a larceny or theft conviction. If you are accused of larceny, retail fraud, shoplifting or receiving stolen property in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne County, contact the ABDO LAW FIRM for complete criminal defense representation. Our criminal defense attorneys have experience handling all felony and misdemeanor larceny offenses. We will prepare a case strategy which may include the opportunity to have the offense dismissed pursuant to special provisions of Michigan law such as HYTA or MCL 771.1. Phone: 586-412-5555
