Halley J. Peters
Oakland County Theft Crimes Attorney
Theft accusations can have a devastating impact on your reputation, relationships, and future. Because any theft is associated with dishonesty, charges of this nature can damage your personal and professional stability, leading to a loss of trust from friends, family, and employers. If convicted, a criminal record involving theft can make finding a job or advancing a professional career extremely difficult, especially in fields requiring security clearances.
Some educational programs may restrict enrollment, and landlords may be unwilling to rent to those with theft convictions. Because of these consequences, you must put a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side in fighting charges.
At HJP Legal, we work every legal angle to help protect your freedom and future. Attorney Halley Peters is highly experienced in Michigan criminal law, the court system, and procedures. She can tackle your case by independently investigating the facts and evidence and building a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Reserve a consultation with our Oakland County theft crimes lawyer at HJP Legal by calling us at (517) 449-6544 or on our online contact form. Attorney Peters is licensed in Michigan, Florida & California.
Criminal Defense
Halley J. Peters
Why Choose HJP Legal?
Strategic Advice & Representation
Attorney Halley J. Peters is well-versed in ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that the evidence being used against you is obtained legally and within legal boundaries.
Minimize Penalties
Criminal charges can have severe consequences, including losing certain rights, massive fines and penalty fees, and potential incarceration. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Halley J. Peters can help to minimize these penalties or even fight to get the charges dismissed entirely.
Clear Communication & Transparency
Halley is here for you every step of the way. She keeps her clients informed and up to date on important developments in their cases, and is readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
Legal Expertise
Halley is an experienced criminal defense attorney with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your criminal case. She understands the legal procedures and tactics of the prosecution, allowing her to provide you with the best defense.
Halley J. Peters
Theft Crimes in Michigan
Michigan law defines theft, also known as larceny, as the stealing of the property of one person by another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Theft can involve goods, services, money, deeds, and other personal belongings. The severity of the charge and potential penalties generally depend on the value of the stolen property.
Examples of Michigan theft crimes include:
- Petty theft (larceny under $200): A misdemeanor offense with potential penalties of up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or three times the value of the stolen property (whichever is greater).
- Petty theft (larceny over $200 up to $1,000 in value}: A misdemeanor offense carrying up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Theft of $1,000 to $20,000 in value: This is a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Theft of $20,000 or more in value: A felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- Retail fraud (shoplifting): Stealing merchandise from a store, varying from third-degree misdemeanors resulting in 93 days up to a year in jail and fines of $500 up to $1,000 or felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. How you are charged depends on the value of what was stolen.
- Embezzlement: Misusing entrusted property or funds for personal gain. Penalties can range from 93 days up to 20 years.
- Receiving and concealing stolen property: Knowing possession of stolen property is a crime, even if you weren’t the one who stole it. Depending on the property’s value, this can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Auto theft: Stealing a motor vehicle is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Depending on the circumstances, courts can also impose restitution and community service.
Halley J. Peters
Our Theft Defense Services
At HJP Legal, we can take several steps to help you fight theft crime charges. Ms. Peters can carefully review the evidence against you to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. She can develop a strong defense strategy that may include demonstrating a lack of intent, mistaken identity, or the rightful ownership of the property.
She can also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties and, should your case go to trial, present evidence and arguments on your behalf, working to secure a favorable outcome. These are all actions for which you need a reliable and skilled attorney; our firm has a reputation for proficient legal representation and empathetic support of our clients.
Arrange for a consultation with our Oakland County theft crime lawyer today. You can reach us online or at (517) 449-6544.
Halley is a fierce advocate dedicated to protecting your rights.
About Halley J. Peters, Esq.
Halley J. Peters has over a decade of experience practicing and is licensed in California and Florida. Ms. Peters has rigorously defended individuals and large financial institutions, including UBS, Merrill Lynch, and Wells Fargo. In addition to practicing in the field, Ms. Peters has clerked for Florida Supreme Court Justice E.C. Perry and Appellate Judge Leslie B. Rothenberg at the Third District Court of Appeals for Florida.
Her passion for criminal justice stems from her experience working in jails and institutions, including teaching law in a correctional facility for teenage felons for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and working in the first drug courts in Miami, Florida. Moreover, she concentrated her law review thesis on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, arguing that rehabilitation serves the public and reduces recidivism rates far better than incarceration.
Her personal and professional experience serving in rehabilitative facilities and her familiarity with the hurdles addiction presents to those in the legal system provides Ms. Peters a uniquely compassionate perspective. She is dedicated to ensuring those detained or alleged to have violated the law receive the very best outcome, legally and personally.
Ms. Peters graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 and with Distinction from the University of Michigan in 2008. She has served as President of the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Miami-Ft. Lauderdale and is a huge University of Michigan football fan.
As a result of her passion and unique skill set, Ms. Peters is one of the only attorneys in Southern California with the understanding and connections to fully support her clients – from the courtroom to their living rooms. Halley can help you get your life back.
Halley speaks Spanish – Hablamos Espanol!
If you or someone you know requires dedicated legal counsel, please call us at (949) 340-0102 or click the button to request a consultation.
If you or someone you know requires dedicated legal counsel, please call us at (949) 340-0102 or click the button to request a consultation.
Remember, with Halley,
no concern is too small.
