Sentencing Guidelines for Theft in Michigan

Michigan legislation addresses sentencing guidelines for theft.

Michigan, like most other states, uses sentencing guidelines to determine an appropriate sentence range that a judge may order. Theft may be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the crime. Severity and length of sentences and fines are enhanced for habitual offenders.

Variables

Michigan judges crimes according to a sentencing grid that includes a wide range of variables. The following are taken into consideration: the defendant's juvenile and adult criminal history, the defendant's use of weapons, degree of injury to victim, the number of victims, the vulnerability of the victim, the offender's role and the amount of damage.

Felonies

As of November 2010, if the stolen property has a value of $20,000 or more, the sentence may include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $15,000. If the property is valued between $1,000 and $20,000, the sentence may include up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

Misdemeanors

If the property value ranges between $200 and $1,000, theft is classified as a misdemeanor and merits time in custody of up to one year and a fine of no more than $2,000. If the property value is less than $200, the offender can receive a maximum of 93 days in jail and a fine of less than $500. These terms are valid as of November 2010.

References

• Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys Association: Glossary of Criminal Terms
• Michigan Courts: 2010 Sentencing Guidelines Manual for Crimes Against Property
• Offender Solutions: Michigan Theft Laws