Michigan Theft Defense Attorney - Protect Your Future from Theft Charges

35+ years defending clients against larceny, embezzlement, shoplifting & theft charges. We protect your reputation, employment, and freedom with aggressive legal strategies.
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews
Joe and Victoria were a great team and helped me every step of the way, day and night. Any and all questions were answered and their knowledge of the law was very apparent. They made a difficult process much easier. I wo...
Colin
06/15/2025
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews
Joe Simon has treated me with respect and did a great job understanding my case. He was excellent in the courtroom and with follow up after court proceedings. I highly recommend Joe Simon for representation of your ca...
Dave Aitken
05/15/2025
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews
Joe is a very responsible and professional lawyer, and he has helped me a lot!He thought about the problem carefully, and helped me think of two solutions, and communicated with me patiently (because I don’t have good En...
Xiwen Ma
04/15/2025
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews
From beginning to end Mr. Simon knew every step to take, made everything extremely clear (as complex as the law may be), and shows very clear command of the courtroom and the law. He is the person you want in your corner...
Niko Papaioannou
10/15/2024
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews

The very best lawyer and an even better human! You can trust Joe to handle the most difficult cases with care and expertise.

Katie Cischke
08/15/2024
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews

I cannot recommend Joe Simon enough! He began working to get my case dismissed immediately after I hired him. He kept me updated throughout the entire process, and he was dedicated to truly helping me!

Ellie Fetz
11/15/2021
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews

The attorney handled everything very quickly, worked hard to achieve the best outcome, and delivered a result I was fully satisfied with.Cannot recommend enough.

Myeonghun Yu
01/15/2026
604f9f21b5a47c388fc08990 5 star reviews
Called Joe for assistance regarding a family member in legal trouble after receiving a recommendation from a friend. Couldn’t have been more pleased with the service I received. Joe was prompt, courteous, and profession...
Joe Nowak
11/15/2025

Theft Offenses Defense

Theft charges represent one of the most serious allegations an individual can face in Michigan’s criminal justice system. Whether you’ve been accused of shoplifting, embezzlement, larceny, receiving stolen property, or any other form of theft, the consequences extend far beyond potential jail time. A theft conviction can damage your employment prospects, educational opportunities, housing applications, and professional reputation for years to come. At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC, we understand the gravity of these charges and bring 35+ years of experience defending clients against theft offenses at every level of severity.

Understanding Theft Charges in Michigan

Michigan law distinguishes between various theft offenses based on the value of property allegedly stolen and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. These can include larceny, embezzlement, retail theft (shoplifting), receiving stolen property, and theft of services. The classification of your charge—whether misdemeanor or felony—significantly impacts your potential sentence, fines, restitution obligations, and collateral consequences. Some theft charges are prosecuted as felonies carrying penalties of years in prison, while others may be misdemeanors, yet all carry serious implications for your future.

How Joseph A. Simon Defends Theft Charges

Our approach to theft offense defense combines aggressive legal strategy with meticulous attention to the details of your case. We begin with a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of your alleged offense, examining police procedures, evidence collection methods, witness credibility, and the strength of the prosecution’s case against you. Many theft cases hinge on intent, ownership disputes, or procedural errors in investigation—areas where experienced defense counsel can identify critical weaknesses in the prosecution’s position.

We explore multiple defense strategies tailored to your specific situation. These may include challenging the evidence gathering process, questioning witness identification or reliability, establishing lack of intent, demonstrating rightful ownership claims, or identifying alternative explanations for the alleged conduct. In cases involving retail theft, we examine store security procedures and whether proper protocols were followed. For embezzlement accusations, we scrutinize financial records and accounting practices that may reveal misunderstandings rather than intentional theft.

The Benefits of Experienced Representation

Facing theft charges without an experienced criminal defense attorney places you at a significant disadvantage. Prosecutors handle these cases routinely and know how to build their cases strategically. Our firm has successfully defended thousands of theft cases throughout Southeast Michigan and has the experience to recognize prosecution weaknesses that less experienced attorneys might miss. We understand how to negotiate effectively with prosecutors, knowing which cases merit aggressive trial preparation and which may benefit from strategic plea negotiations that minimize your exposure.

Beyond the immediate legal battle, we consider the broader impact on your life. We work to explore every available option, including potential diversion programs or alternatives to traditional prosecution that may allow you to avoid a permanent criminal record through successful completion of required conditions.

What to Expect in Your Defense

When you retain our firm for theft offense defense, you receive direct access to Joseph A. Simon’s expertise. Your case will be handled with the same strategic approach that has earned our firm recognition as one of Michigan’s premier criminal defense practices. We’ll conduct thorough discovery review, file appropriate motions challenging evidence or procedure, prepare meticulously for trial if necessary, and advocate aggressively for the best possible outcome.

Throughout the process, we maintain open communication, explaining your options clearly and honestly. You’ll understand the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, realistic outcomes at each stage, and the reasoning behind our strategic recommendations.

Contact Us Today

If you’re facing theft charges, don’t wait to secure experienced legal representation. The choices you make now will significantly impact your future. Contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case thoroughly and discuss how we can help protect your rights and your future.

Facing Theft Charges? Contact Us Today

Don’t face theft allegations alone. Call Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC at (734) 887-6200 for a confidential consultation with an experienced defense attorney ready to protect your rights.

What types of theft offenses do you defend?

We defend clients charged with all theft-related offenses including shoplifting, grand larceny, petit larceny, embezzlement, identity theft, receiving stolen property, and robbery. Our experienced team handles misdemeanor and felony charges.

What are the potential penalties for theft convictions?

Penalties vary based on the value of stolen property, prior criminal history, and specific charges. They can range from fines and probation for misdemeanors to years of imprisonment for felonies. We work to minimize consequences through negotiation or aggressive trial defense.

What defenses are available for theft charges?

Possible defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, illegal search and seizure, insufficient evidence, and ownership disputes. Each case is unique. We thoroughly investigate the facts and prosecution’s evidence to build the strongest defense strategy.

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If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges or a police investigation, you can have no better ally than the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon.

Joseph A Simon Ann Arbor MI Criminal Defense Attorney
With over 500 five-star reviews our office works to earn each one by fighting for the best possible outcomes for our clients. Call and speak with our office today about your criminal matter.