What is Felony Theft in Michigan?
In Michigan, theft is considered a felony when the value of the stolen property exceeds a certain threshold. Felony theft is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines. In this article, we will explore the definition, penalties, and examples of felony theft in Michigan.
What is Felony Theft in Michigan?
Felony theft, also known as larceny, is the taking of property from another person or entity with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. In Michigan, felony theft is classified as a felony when the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000. This means that if the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, the individual can be charged with felony theft.
Types of Felony Theft in Michigan
There are several types of felony theft in Michigan, including:
- Grand Theft: This type of theft involves the taking of property valued at $1,000 or more. Grand theft is considered a felony and can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years.
- Embezzlement: This type of theft involves the theft of property by a person who has been entrusted with the property, such as an employee or a fiduciary. Embezzlement is considered a felony and can result in imprisonment of up to 15 years.
- Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property: This type of theft involves the receipt or concealment of stolen property with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. Receiving and concealing stolen property is considered a felony and can result in imprisonment of up to 5 years.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Michigan
The penalties for felony theft in Michigan depend on the value of the stolen property and the individual’s prior criminal record. Here are the typical penalties for felony theft in Michigan:
| Value of Stolen Property | Penalty |
|---|---|
| $1,000 to $20,000 | Up to 5 years imprisonment, fines of up to $10,000 |
| $20,001 to $50,000 | Up to 10 years imprisonment, fines of up to $20,000 |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | Up to 15 years imprisonment, fines of up to $50,000 |
| $100,001 or more | Up to 20 years imprisonment, fines of up to $100,000 |
Examples of Felony Theft in Michigan
Here are some examples of felony theft in Michigan:
- Shoplifting: An individual steals a laptop computer valued at $1,500 from a retail store. The individual can be charged with grand theft and faces up to 5 years imprisonment.
- Embezzlement: An employee embezzles $20,000 from their employer over the course of several months. The employee can be charged with embezzlement and faces up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property: An individual receives a stolen bicycle valued at $5,000 and sells it for $3,000. The individual can be charged with receiving and concealing stolen property and faces up to 5 years imprisonment.
Defenses to Felony Theft in Michigan
While felony theft is a serious criminal offense, there are several defenses that an individual can use to avoid conviction. Here are some common defenses to felony theft in Michigan:
- Lack of Intent: The individual did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
- Mistake of Fact: The individual believed the property was abandoned or that they had a right to the property.
- Duress: The individual was forced to commit the theft by someone else.
- Entrapment: The individual was encouraged or persuaded by law enforcement to commit the theft.
Conclusion
Felony theft is a serious criminal offense in Michigan that can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines. It is important for individuals to understand the definition, penalties, and examples of felony theft in Michigan. If you have been charged with felony theft, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
