Michigan Retail Fraud Attorney 
Jonathan Paul 248-924-9458

Consequences of Retail Fraud

When a potential client contacts me, they ask what the possible consequences could be if they are convicted of retail fraud.  I tell them there are criminal consequences at the courthouse then additional consequences that will impact their daily life, including their career.  

First off, depending upon what you level of retail fraud you're charged with, jail time could be 93 days or one year, and if it's a felony, the maximum is five years in prison.  In additional to jail and prison time, there is the possibility of up to 24 months probation for a misdemeanor and 60 months for a felony.  

There are mandatory fines and costs associated with each charge, possible alcohol and drug testing, community service, inpatient or outpatient treatment, education, attendance at support group meetings, ban from leaving the State of Michigan and a host of other probation sanctions.  Most damaging is having a criminal conviction on your record. 

If you're applying for a job, loan, college, grad school, professional license military service or even filling out a chaperone form for your kid's class trip, you will have to answer YES to having a criminal record/being convicted of a crime, and more specifically a crime of theft and dishonesty.  It's doubtful you will ever be trusted to handle money or sensitive information again. 

I work with a number of clients with different jobs and professions. There are specific types of jobs where a retail fraud conviction could cost you your license such as a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, attorney, airline pilot, accountant, financial planner etc.  There are about 500 different jobs/careers in my experience, which can be lost due to this sort of conviction.  

There are also additional consequences for CPL holders, licensed drivers, people on probation or parole, people going through custody of divorce proceedings and clients who are not U.S. citizens.  It's important to make your attorney aware of every single license, "situation" and current or future career goals you may have.  Many clients don't think that a concealed weapon permit would impacted by a retail fraud conviction, then suddenly get a letter in the mail suspending their license for a year. Many people rely on a CPL for their safety and job, and a suspension puts that person in great personal and financial danger.  

Each case has it's own facts and circumstances.  Depending upon the prosecutor and the judge, we will discuss possible options for your case. Many retail fraud cases are facts that are stacked against the client.  Many clients are caught red-handed and/or make full admissions to the offense, and make a trial a non-viable option.  Some clients must concede that they simply made a choice that was illegal and has consequences. Fortunately for the clients that I represent, they follow my proactive program, and put themselves in a position to have their retail fraud charges dismissed or reduced.  

In the end, my client's main goal is to avoid a retail fraud conviction, and this goal can be accomplished a number of ways either with a trial or a reduction or dismissal. 

Call Me: 248-924-9458

 All clients go on my proactive plan, which not only helps the case at the courthouse, but also helps my clients outside the courtroom stay out of trouble, learn from their situation and move forward in a positive direction for their family and career. ​
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