Theft Offenses and Property Crimes

Our Ann Arbor Attorneys for Defense of Theft & Property Crime Charges

25+ Years. 200+ Trials. 2000+ Clients Helped.

When you're facing accusations of theft or property crime in Michigan, the consequences can be severe—and the stigma can last a lifetime. From misdemeanor shoplifting to serious felonies like embezzlement or home invasion, these charges can jeopardize your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

We bring over 25 years of focused criminal defense experience to every theft case we handle. We’ve defended clients in hundreds of courtrooms across Southeast Michigan and have successfully resolved thousands of charges—many of them involving allegations of theft, fraud, or property damage. Whether you're a student facing a first-time shoplifting charge or a professional accused of a complex white-collar crime, we provide the strategic, personalized defense you need to protect your rights and move forward with confidence.

Understanding Theft and Property Crime Classifications

In Michigan, theft offenses and property crimes can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies with long-term consequences. Depending on the offense, intent, and value of the property involved, charges can carry penalties from fines and probation to years of imprisonment. For example:

Larceny refers to the unlawful taking of someone’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
Retail fraud, or shoplifting, includes price-switching, theft of merchandise, or returning stolen goods for a refund.
Embezzlement involves theft by someone in a position of trust—such as an employee stealing company funds.
Home invasion typically combines theft with unlawful entry into a dwelling, often charged alongside burglary or assault.

Understanding the nature of the charge is essential because each offense comes with unique elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Knowing how to challenge those elements—and present mitigating factors—is a key part of our defense strategy.

How We Help with Michigan Theft and Property Crime Charges

If you’ve been charged with one of these offenses, a criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor at Geherin Law Group can help you. We have successfully represented businesspersons charged in complex embezzlement schemes. We have helped students charged with retail fraud, helping clear their record so they could move on to their chosen profession. We have defended persons accused of robbery, saving them multiple years in prison. We have defended arson charges, and are familiar with complex fire and insurance investigations.

We have helped many people charged with these offenses, and can help you as well. Theft offenses carry a stigma that can follow you around the rest of your life. After all, who wants to hire someone charged with a larceny conviction on his or her record? You should choose attorneys who know these laws, keep current on changes in the statutes, and who have a proven track record of helping people similarly situated.

The Collateral Consequences of a Theft Conviction

A theft or property crime conviction can affect your life in ways far beyond jail time or court fees. Convictions often appear on background checks, limiting your ability to obtain:

Employment opportunities, especially in roles involving money or sensitive information
Housing, due to landlord screening policies
Educational advancement, including scholarships or graduate program eligibility
Professional licenses, such as those required for teaching, nursing, or law

Even misdemeanor theft convictions can raise red flags for potential employers or licensing boards. That’s why we focus not only on the immediate legal consequences, but also on safeguarding your long-term future.

Strategic Defense Options Tailored to Your Situation

Our attorneys craft a defense strategy based on the facts of your case, the available evidence, your goals, and your personal circumstances. Common defenses to theft and property crimes may include:

Lack of intent: Many theft offenses require proof that you intended to permanently deprive someone of their property. If there was no such intent, or if you believed the property was yours, that can be a powerful defense.
Mistaken identity: In shoplifting or robbery cases, security footage may be unclear or witnesses may misidentify you as a suspect.
Consent: If the alleged victim gave you permission to borrow or take property, that may negate criminal liability.
Illegal search/seizure: If evidence was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, we can move to suppress it.

We also explore alternatives to traditional prosecution whenever possible. In Washtenaw County and other parts of Southeast Michigan, diversion programs or deferred sentencing may be available for first-time offenders or juveniles. Successfully completing such a program may result in dismissal of charges or expungement eligibility—options that can make a significant difference in your future.

Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying

“10/10 would recommend

Hiring Dan to represent me in my case was the absolute best decision I could have made. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. Most of the time he answered any questions I had before I even had a chance to ask them. The communication with him and his office was outstanding. In what truly was a difficult time, working with Dan made it much easier.”

Stephanie, Avvo Review

“Dan is a great lawyer and did a great job representing my son for a mistake he made as a dumb college kid. He was reassuring at the beginning of our consultation and laid out a path to the best possible outcome, which was achieved. He was timely, efficient, and had a great attention to detail. He knew the law well and steered the case successfully through the many twists and turns. Dan clearly had a familiar and good relationship with courtroom staff, judge, and prosecutors, which is clearly very important.. Although he had many other cases ongoing he always made my son and I feel like we were his only client. If I need any further legal assistance, I would retain him again without a second thought.”

David, Avvo Review

“Dan is very professional. He had answers for any and all questions I had throughout a very tough and new process. Dan was honest and upfront about the good and bad outcomes of the case. He made me feel like a priority at all times. Dan was always prepared for court, we were always both on the same page. I felt as comfortable as possible in a situation like that. Would hire or recommend in a heartbeat!”

Anonymous, Avvo Review

Compassionate Representation for Every Client

Whether you're a first-time offender or facing multiple charges, our team approaches each case with the same unwavering commitment to justice. We don’t judge—we fight, and we do so with the experience, resources, and dedication that have earned us the trust of clients across Michigan.

Our clients come to us scared, confused, and often in disbelief that they are facing criminal prosecution. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and absolute confidentiality. We work to understand your goals, whether that means clearing your name, keeping your license, avoiding jail, or simply resolving the case with as little impact on your life as possible.

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—regardless of the allegations against them. Our mission is not only to defend your legal rights but to help you rebuild and move forward.

Talk to a Michigan Theft Defense Lawyer Today

If you've been charged with a theft or property crime in Ann Arbor or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, don’t wait to get help. Early action can make all the difference.

Contact Geherin Law Group 24/7 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and begin building a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

📞 Call now or 📩 email us today—and take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your future, and your peace of mind.