Shoplifting at Sephora in Michigan: Defending a Retail Fraud Case

For Lisa, a 25-year-old student from Ann Arbor, a trip to Sephora turned into a nightmare when she was caught shoplifting cosmetics worth over $100. Charged with Retail Fraud in the Third Degree, Lisa faced the possibility of a misdemeanor conviction, a criminal record, and the loss of future job opportunities. Overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, she turned to attorney Jonathan Paul for help.
​
Jonathan took the time to understand Lisa’s perspective and the pressures she faced as a student. He worked to reduce the stigma of the theft charge, showing the court that Lisa was not a hardened criminal but someone who had made a regrettable mistake. Jonathan built a defense focused on keeping the incident off Lisa’s record by negotiating a plea bargain and recommending participation in an education program. Thanks to his compassionate and skilled representation, Lisa avoided a conviction and was able to continue her studies without the burden of a criminal record.