Traverse City Larceny Defense Lawyer

Serving the Arrested & Accused in Michigan

Larceny charges require an aggressive criminal defense attorney to present your case. Our firm has 25 years of experience in defending larceny charges of every degree. In each case we work hard to bring the best criminal defense possible to defeat the larceny charges. From retail fraud to joy riding, we use all our resources to protect your freedom and keep you or your loved one out of prison.

Defenses to Larceny Charges

Alibi defense: If you or a loved one are charged with larceny, burglary or any theft offense, there must be evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the suspect was present when the larceny took place. Unless the police can place the defendant at the scene, the larceny charges may be dismissed or a jury may find him not guilty.

Claim of right: To prove a larceny charge, a there must be evidence the defendant stole the property of another person, with the intent to permanently deprive them of the property. However, if the defendant took the property honestly believing it was his, or that he had a “claim of right“ to it, then he may be found not guilty.

There are many circumstances that can help build a strong defense to larceny charges. Contact Attorney Patrick Fragel to develop a winning case strategy for yourself or your loved one.

Felony Larceny Charges & Maximum Penalties

In Michigan, a larceny is committed by taking property without authority to do so, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. A larceny charge can arise from many different circumstances. Many larcenies result in serious prison terms, especially if the defendant has prior criminal record.

Some of the most serious larcenies are:

• Armed robbery – life in prison or any term of years
• Unarmed robbery – up to 15 years in prison
• Larceny from the person – up to 10 years in prison
• Larceny by conversion – up to 10 years in prison
• Larceny by false personation – up to 10 years in prison
• Larceny from a motor vehicle – up to 5 years in prison
• Joy riding – up to 2 years in prison
• Auto theft [UDAA] – Up to 5 years in prison
• Receiving and concealing stolen property – up to 5 years in prison
• Theft of motor vehicle fuel – up to 5 years in prison, and suspension of your Michigan operator’s license
• Larceny of a firearm – up to 5 years in prison
• Retail fraud 1st degree – up to 5 years in prison
• Larceny in a building – up to 4 years in prison

A person convicted of a larceny charge will be required to pay restitution, if the property stolen is not returned, or is damaged. The sentenced imposed is influenced by a person’s prior record, which could lead to an enhanced sentenced under the Michigan habitual offender statute.

If you are facing larceny charges, call today. We have successfully defended hundreds cases over the past 25 years. We are trained to evaluate the facts of your case, and obtain the best possible result.