What Are the Penalties for Felony Theft Convictions in MI?

In Michigan, theft (also known as larceny) is a serious crime defined as the illegal taking of another person’s property without permission. Theft charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony and will be accompanied by a plethora of penalties. The severity of the consequences you incur depends on the type of items stolen, the value of the items stolen, your personal criminal history, and more. If you are facing charges related to theft or larceny, contact a Marquette theft lawyer.

When is Theft a Misdemeanor versus a Felony?

The determination of whether or not you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for your theft case is largely dependent on the monetary value of the items stolen. Generally, if the property stolen was less than $1,000 you will be charged with a misdemeanor and if the property stolen was $1,000 or greater then it would be considered a felony.

There are instances where you may be charged with a felony regardless of how much the property stolen was worth. If you stole a firearm, parts from a car or other vehicle, stole something off of someone’s person, or already have prior theft convictions, you will likely be charged with a felony and face harsher consequences despite the monetary value of the items involved.

Will I Serve Jail Time for a Theft Conviction?

The reality is that you may be sentenced to jail for theft depending on your specific circumstances. Felony theft in Michigan is divided into two categories.

For items stolen that total $1,000 to $20,000 you may face:

• Up to five years in jail
• Fines of up to $10,000

For items stolen that total over $20,000 you may face:

• Up to ten years in jail
• Fines of up to $15,000

The specific details of your penalties will vary depending on your case. You may also be ordered to complete probation, community service, pay additional fees, etc. The court will take into account what type of property was stolen, its value, where the crime took place, and your criminal background when determining the extent of your conviction.

How Will My Criminal History Affect My Theft Charges?

As stated, if you have a criminal background it could impact the way a court rules and the consequences that you are given. Standard Michigan law states that anyone with prior theft convictions will have their charges increased to the next degree of offense. If you have two prior theft convictions you will automatically be charged with a felony, even if the value of the items stolen does not qualify you for a felony charge.

For example, if you stole items totaling $500, you would be charged with a lower felony degree and face jail time up to 5 years. However, if you have prior theft convictions you may be charged with a higher offense which faces jail time of up to 10 years. If you are facing theft charges it is imperative that you hire a skilled attorney for help.