When The Stakes Are This High,
You Need A Real Defense

Skilled Defense Against Theft, Burglary Or Stolen Property Charges

People accused of theft crimes don’t always realize the full impact that a conviction may have, both immediate and long-term. First, there are the criminal penalties such as jail, fines and restitution. A theft conviction also calls your honesty into doubt, making future employers, landlords, schools or universities hesitant to approve you for jobs, housing or educational programs.

For these reasons, it is all the more important that you hire a quality defense if you are accused of theft or property crimes. That is where Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law comes in. I bring over 15 years of experience in criminal defense, with demonstrated results for clients in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Arrested for theft or burglary?
Before talking to police or going to court alone, call me at 616-818-0011 for a free initial consultation.

Don’t Let A Theft Conviction Ruin Your Future

I have experience with a wide range of theft offenses and property crimes, both misdemeanor and felony charges:

In any theft charge, the prosecution must prove that a crime occurred, that the accused committed the offense, and that there was criminal intent to knowingly deprive the owner of their money or property. I know how to investigate the circumstances of arrest and challenge the prosecution’s case.

I do not just automatically plead my clients guilty. By aggressively working the case, I have secured dropped charges, court dismissals, reduction in charges and other favorable outcomes. Sometimes these cases can be resolved out of court through restitution. Sometimes we can avoid jail time or a criminal record. Everything is on the table, including defending you at trial to preserve your freedom.

Penalties For Theft Or Receiving Stolen Property In Michigan

Under Michigan law, it is a crime to “buy, receive, possess, conceal, or aid in the concealment of stolen, embezzled, or converted money, goods, or property” when you know or have reason to believe that the property was stolen. This crime is charged and punished based on the value of the property involved.

It may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony as follows:

  • For property valued between $1,000 and $20,000, it carries up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
  • For property valued from $200 up to $1,000, it carries up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
  • For property valued under $200, it carries up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

Penalties For Burglary And Related Charges In Michigan

And burglary is committed when (1) you enter a building closed to the public with the intention to commit theft, assault, or some other felony; (2) you remain hidden in a building currently closed to the public with the intention to commit theft, assault or a felony; or (3) you are caught on the premises after being notified that entrance to the property was forbidden. Burglary is a serious felony charge. First-degree burglary is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Even third-degree burglary can carry a prison term of up to five years.

You should understand that no requirement exists for having forced entry to be accused of burglary. Simply trespassing through an open door may still constitute this crime. For example, if you walk into someone’s unlocked boathouse and take their boat out, you are still committing burglary, even if you return the boat in its original condition. You can also be charged with burglary even if nothing was stolen, if the prosecution believe you intended to steal or were casing the place for a future crime.

You Definitely Need Legal Representation

Experience matters. Before hiring a lawyer to defend you, ask about their experience and outcomes in handling a case like yours. I have taken more than 80 criminal cases to trial and am happy to discuss my record of results with theft, burglary and stolen property charges.

Call my office in Wyoming, Michigan, at 616-818-0011 or email Maesen Law to set up a free initial consultation. I practice in Kent, Allegan, Ottawa and surrounding counties in the Grand Rapids area.