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One phone call changed everything. A shoplifting accusation at a store near campus. An allegation about something taken from a workplace. A misunderstanding that suddenly has police asking questions. If you’re facing theft charges in East Lansing, you’re up against a system designed to secure convictions, and you need an East Lansing theft defense lawyer who knows how to fight back.
Michigan doesn’t actually use the word theft in its criminal statutes. What most people call theft, the state calls larceny. The distinction matters because Michigan’s larceny laws under MCL 750.356 carry penalties that can follow you for decades, affecting your job prospects, housing applications, and professional licenses.
Ben Hall Law has defended countless clients against larceny charges throughout Ingham County and the greater Lansing area, and we understand what’s at stake when your future hangs on the outcome of a criminal case.
When the state brings larceny charges against you, they’re deploying their full arsenal: prosecutors, investigators, and a system tilted toward conviction. You deserve a defense team that matches that intensity.
Ben Hall Law was built on a simple principle: every person accused of a crime deserves the same caliber of defense that wealthy defendants can afford. We bring a relentless, aggressive approach to every case because we know what happens when the accused don’t have someone willing to fight for them.
The prosecution doesn’t hold back, and neither do we. What sets our firm apart:
We don’t treat our clients like case numbers. We treat them like people whose lives, reputations, and freedom matter, because they do.
Larceny is the legal term for what most people call stealing. Under Michigan law, the prosecution must prove four elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that you took someone else’s property, that you took it without their consent, that you moved the property (even slightly), and that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of it.
That last element, intent, is where many larceny cases fall apart. If you believed you had permission to take something, or if you intended to return it, or if there was any misunderstanding about ownership, the prosecution may not be able to prove its case.
The penalties you face depend primarily on the value of the property allegedly stolen:
Fines can also be calculated as three times the value of the property, whichever amount is greater. Prior convictions can push charges into higher penalty brackets as well.
These numbers represent the maximum penalties. An aggressive defense strategy can mean the difference between the harshest possible sentence and reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal altogether.
East Lansing sees a wide range of larceny allegations, from retail fraud accusations at stores along Grand River Avenue to more complex cases involving digital assets or workplace theft. Ben Hall Law defends clients against:
Retail fraud (shoplifting) involves accusations of taking merchandise without paying, switching price tags, or fraudulently seeking refunds. Michigan has a separate statute (MCL 750.356d) addressing retail fraud, with penalties that mirror general larceny thresholds.
Larceny from a person is treated far more seriously than general theft. When someone alleges you took property directly from their body or immediate presence, like grabbing a phone from someone’s hand, you face felony charges carrying up to 10 years in prison, regardless of the item’s value.
Larceny from a building applies when theft is alleged to have occurred inside a home, business, or other structure. This charge can elevate what might otherwise be a misdemeanor into felony territory.
Larceny by conversion covers situations where you lawfully obtained property but allegedly kept it beyond the agreed terms or converted it to your own use.
Each type of larceny charge requires a different defensive approach, and understanding these distinctions can be critical to building an effective strategy.
Every larceny case has vulnerabilities the prosecution would rather you didn’t know about. Our job is to find them and exploit them. Common defense approaches include challenging the evidence of intent, proving you didn’t mean to permanently take the property, and disputing the property’s value, which can mean the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges.
We also examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures, whether witness identifications are reliable, and whether the prosecution can actually prove you’re the person who committed the alleged offense.
Possible defense strategies include:
The right defense depends entirely on the facts of your case, which is why early attorney involvement matters. The sooner we can review the evidence, the more options we have.
The criminal justice process can move quickly, and each stage presents both risks and opportunities for your defense.
After an arrest, you’ll typically be arraigned within days. At arraignment, you’ll hear the formal charges against you and have bail set. The court will also advise you of your right to an attorney—a right you should exercise immediately. Anything you say to police before consulting with a lawyer can be used against you.
During the pretrial phase, your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the charges, or negotiate with prosecutors. Many cases resolve during this phase through plea agreements or charge reductions, making it one of the most critical windows for effective defense work.
Cases that don’t settle proceed to trial, where the prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. A jury or judge will weigh the evidence, and your defense team’s preparation during earlier stages directly impacts what happens in the courtroom.
Throughout this process, having an attorney who understands local courts, prosecutors, and judges makes a significant difference. Ben Hall Law has built relationships throughout the Ingham County legal system, and we know how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
A conviction creates ripple effects that extend far beyond any jail sentence or fine. Criminal records are searchable, and employers, landlords, and licensing boards regularly check them.
Background checks have become standard for most employers and landlords. A larceny conviction—especially one involving dishonesty—can disqualify you from jobs in healthcare, education, finance, and any field requiring professional licensing. Housing applications often ask about criminal history, and a theft-related conviction raises immediate red flags.
For Michigan State University students, a theft conviction can trigger academic discipline, scholarship loss, and difficulties entering certain professions. Many graduate programs and professional schools require character and fitness evaluations, and a larceny conviction forces you to explain that record for years to come.
Beyond professional consequences, a felony conviction strips away certain civil rights, including the right to possess firearms and, in some cases, the right to vote while incarcerated. These collateral consequences make fighting the charges—not just accepting a quick plea deal—worth serious consideration.
If you’re facing larceny charges in East Lansing, you probably have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns our clients raise.
Michigan has expanded its expungement laws in recent years, making more offenses eligible for record clearing. Certain larceny convictions may be expunged after a waiting period, though the specific eligibility depends on factors including the severity of the offense and your overall criminal history. An attorney can evaluate whether expungement might be available in your situation.
Plea agreements can sometimes offer reduced charges or lighter sentences, but they also result in a conviction on your record. Whether a plea deal makes sense depends on the strength of the evidence against you, the potential penalties if convicted at trial, and your personal circumstances. Never accept a plea offer without consulting an attorney who has reviewed your case.
Property value directly determines whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges. Items valued under $1,000 typically result in misdemeanor charges, while anything over $1,000 can be charged as a felony. However, prosecutors can aggregate the value of items taken in separate incidents within a 12-month period, potentially pushing misdemeanor-level thefts into felony territory.
Do not make any statements to loss prevention officers, store employees, or police without an attorney present. Even apologizing or offering to pay for merchandise can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Politely decline to answer questions, ask if you’re free to leave, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
A larceny charge doesn’t have to define your future. The prosecution has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and with the right defense team, you can challenge their evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Ben Hall Law has built a reputation for aggressive, strategic criminal defense throughout Michigan. We understand what you’re facing, and we’re ready to stand between you and a system designed to convict.
