Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Retail theft help???

I'm guilty of retail fraud I know. I know stealing is wrong. I stole some sliced deli turkey (worth $2.60) from my local grocery store in Michigan. I didn't have enough money to pay for it so I stuck the turkey in with some other meat I had. This was 9 days ago (on 7-11). I haven't been caught yet and I've been back in the store about 5 or 6 times since then. I'm 20 and this would be my first offense. Its a locally owned store. My question is am I going to get caught and if I do what will happen to me? Will the store even prosecute for such a small amount? Or will they just ban me?


Asked on 7/21/08, 6:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Retail theft help???

They would have had to retain you in the store if they had caught you and/or file a police report. You most likely know by now if they had caught you. Don't worry about it unless you get charged - then contact a lawyer asap.

Most stores will prosecute no matter what the amount is, and in your case, it would be a misdemeanor.

Again, don't worry about it unless you are charged, and then contact me immediately.

Thanks.

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Answered on 7/22/08, 3:02 am
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Retail theft help???

If you continue to worry about things that will never happen, your life will be filled with a lot of unnecessary and unpleasant wasted moments that serve no purpose.

Are you anguished because you fear being caught or is your anxiety caused by a guilty conscience? If the latter, go back to the store and tell them you inadvertently missed paying for an item and tender the purchase price.

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Answered on 7/21/08, 11:39 pm


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