Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Original Case Details
Former Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger was accused of stealing money from a bank account of a 78-year-old woman that she was supposed to be taking care of. Spranger was alleged to have taken money from the woman’s account on eight separate occasions in January of 2019 without proper permission. It was alleged that she took a total of $1,660 from the woman by accessing her bank account and making withdrawals. Spranger was originally charged with felony larceny, as well as disturbing the peace for allegedly pulling the alleged victim from Spranger’s car, causing them both to fall. Spranger has since pled no contest to the disturbing the peace charge. Spranger was first accused of these charges in February of 2019, it took authorities until May of 2019 to catch up to Spranger and formally arraign her on the charges. Previously, Spranger was elected as the Macomb County Clerk in 2016 but was removed from the post in March of 2018 after St. Clair County Circuit Court judge ruled that Spranger lied about her actual residency which required her to be a Macomb County resident.
Criminal Charges and Potential Penalties
Former Macomb County Clerk Karen Spranger faced two charges, with the most serious charge being dismissed as part of a plea deal. The charges and their potential penalties are discussed below:
• Larceny over $1000: This is a felony charge that carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in state prison upon conviction. This charge also carries a maximum fine of up to $10,000 or three times the value of the money or property stolen, whichever is greater.
• Disturbing the Peace: This is a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum penalty of up to 93 days in county jail. This charge also carries a maximum fine of up to $500.
Spranger has pled no contest to the lesser disturbing the peace charge, while the more serious larceny charge was dismissed as part of the plea deal. Spranger was ordered to pay restitution immediately in the amount of $1,660, along with fines and costs totaling $425. Spranger was also given credit for one day served in jail by the Judge Diane Druzinski of the Macomb County Circuit Court. Spranger was not sentenced to any probation or jail in the case. The judge simply set a review hearing for September 10th to see if all of her fines and costs have been paid by then.
What Happens Next?
If Spranger has paid her restitution and fines and costs totaling $2,085 before the September 10th review date, then her case will be closed, and she will not have to appear before the judge. If Spranger does not have her restitution and fines paid by then, she will have to appear before the judge to explain why she has not paid off her ordered restitution and fines. The judge at that point can give Spranger more time to pay or can impose a jail sentence up to the maximum 93 days under the disturbing the peace charge that Spranger pled no contest to. Spranger’s defense attorney commented during Spranger’s sentencing that she has essentially been on probation for the duration of this case and has not had any contact with the victim. Spranger was first arraigned on the charges in August of 2019.
Any Further Questions?
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or are being investigated for one, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in successfully defending criminal cases all over the state of Michigan. This experience extends not only to adult cases, but also to juvenile charges. We are not a general practice firm. We are a team of criminal defense attorneys; it’s all we do. We offer a FREE consultation to anyone with questions relating to a possible or existing criminal charge against them or a loved one. Feel free to contact us on our 24/7 defense line at 1-800-342-7896. You can also contact us online or come visit us at one of our three statewide locations. We can also come to you.