A theft allegation can range from a misdemeanor involving property worth less than $200 to a felony carrying years in prison. The value involved, the evidence of intent, and the circumstances of the alleged taking can all affect how the case is charged.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has represented people accused of criminal offenses in Michigan since 2002. Clients work directly with him throughout their case rather than passing their defense to a junior associate.
If you are facing a theft allegation, a theft defense attorney in Flint, Michigan, can review the charge, explain what the prosecution must prove, and identify issues that may affect your defense.
Michigan law generally uses the term “larceny” for theft offenses, although theft and larceny are often used interchangeably in everyday language. For a standard larceny charge, prosecutors must prove more than the fact that property changed hands.
For a standard larceny charge, the prosecution must prove that the accused took someone else’s property without consent and moved it. The prosecution must also prove that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property when they took it.
That intent requirement can become an important issue in Michigan theft charges. A genuine dispute about ownership or permission may present a very different situation from an intentional theft. Questions about returning property can also matter because they may clarify what the accused intended when they obtained it.
Larceny should also be distinguished from related offenses. Robbery involves force, violence, or threats, while burglary generally involves entering a building with criminal intent. Not every alleged taking is therefore treated as a standard larceny charge.
Property value plays a major role in determining whether a Michigan larceny charge is treated as a misdemeanor or felony.
Prior theft-related convictions can increase the seriousness of a later charge. Michigan law can also allow prosecutors to combine the value of property from separate incidents when those incidents form part of a scheme or course of conduct within a 12-month period.
Even a lower-level misdemeanor deserves careful attention. The potential effect of a conviction does not end when you pay a fine or complete a sentence.
The circumstances behind a theft accusation can vary considerably. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony property-crime allegations. These can include larceny, retail fraud or shoplifting, auto theft, credit card theft, larceny from a building or vehicle, and larceny by conversion.
Cases involving embezzlement and other financially motivated allegations may also overlap with white-collar criminal defense, depending on the charge and the facts involved.
Whatever label appears on the complaint, a theft crimes attorney should examine the specific statute, alleged property value, and evidence instead of treating every property offense as the same type of case.
Possessing disputed property alone does not necessarily prove that someone committed larceny. For a standard larceny charge, the prosecution must prove that the accused took and moved someone else’s property without consent. It must also prove that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Evidence about ownership, permission, and the accused’s intent can therefore play an important role in the case.
Questions about permission, ownership, identification, or the accused’s intent can therefore become important. A theft crime lawyer can examine whether the evidence supports every required element of the charge rather than simply accepting the prosecution’s version of events.
The defense issues in a theft case depend on the specific facts and evidence. Attorney Norwood reviews how the property was obtained, what the accused understood at the time, and whether the available evidence supports the charge filed.
Possible defense issues can include:
A theft attorney can review these issues to determine which defenses may apply to the specific allegations. The available defense will depend on what happened and what the prosecution can prove.
The impact of a theft conviction can continue after the court-imposed sentence is complete. A criminal record may appear during employment, housing, or professional licensing background checks. Depending on the person’s circumstances, a conviction may create other financial or professional concerns as well.
The consequences can be especially significant in positions involving money, company property, or other responsibilities based on trust. For that reason, the long-term effect of the charge should be considered alongside the immediate risk of jail, prison, or financial penalties.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is an experienced theft lawyer in Flint who has practiced in Michigan’s criminal courts since 2002 and represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony criminal charges.
His approach is built around direct attorney involvement. Clients work with Attorney Norwood himself when reviewing the allegations, examining the evidence, and preparing the case, rather than having those responsibilities transferred to a junior associate.
For someone searching for a theft lawyer near me in Flint, having direct access to the attorney handling the case can be just as important as location. Attorney Norwood’s office is in downtown Flint, directly across from the Genesee County courts, and his criminal-defense practice serves clients throughout Michigan.
For standard larceny based on property value, property valued at $1,000 or more falls within a felony penalty tier. Property worth $1,000 to less than $20,000 can carry up to five years in prison, while property valued at $20,000 or more can carry up to 10 years. Prior convictions and other circumstances can affect how a case is charged.
Michigan law uses the term "retail fraud" for several forms of conduct commonly associated with shoplifting. It can include stealing merchandise, improperly changing or concealing a price, or fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain a refund or exchange. The offense's severity can depend on the value involved and prior convictions.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has practiced criminal law in Michigan since 2002. His practice includes representation in misdemeanor and felony criminal matters, including theft and other property-related charges.
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If you are facing a theft charge, speak directly with Attorney Matthew L. Norwood about your case. Get your charge and the evidence reviewed as early as possible.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Norwood
503 S. Saginaw St., Suite 526 Flint, MI 48502-1824
(810) 235-4630
