Bailey, MI Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

If you intentionally steal something from a place of business less than $200, it is retail fraud in the 3rd degree. That is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 in fines. The $200 you paid is a civil penalty to the merchant to compensate for the items that were stolen. If you have nothing else on your record, you will probably be offered a diversion program. That means you will have to do a form of probation usually concentrating on community service and sometimes classes. As long as you successfully complete it, the charge will not appear on your public record. That's the most likely scenario. I don't see you being punished anymore than probation at the most. You should contact an experienced criminal attorney if you have more questions or need more peace of mind about the situation. Best of everything.

As you are seeking counsel I do not believe it is proper for persons in this form to second-guess that attorney who will have a much more detailed knowledge of the facts.