Mich. Comp. Laws » Michigan Compiled Laws / Chapter 750 / Act 328 of 1931
Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a (2026)

Vulnerable adult; prohibited conduct; violation; penalty; enhanced sentence; exceptions; consecutive sentence; definitions; report by office of services to the aging to department of human services.

✓ current as of July 2026
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THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE


Act 328 of 1931


750.174a Vulnerable adult; prohibited conduct; violation; penalty; enhanced sentence; exceptions; consecutive sentence; definitions; report by office of services to the aging to department of human services.

Sec. 174a.

    (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult's money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable adult is a vulnerable adult.

    (2) If the money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of less than $200.00, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

    (3) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

    (a) The money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00.

    (b) The person violates subsection (2) and has 1 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section.

    (4) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

    (a) The money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00.

    (b) The person violates subsection (3)(a) and has 1 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

    (5) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

    (a) The money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of $20,000.00 or more but less than $50,000.00.

    (b) The person violates subsection (4)(a) and has 2 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

    (6) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

    (a) The money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of $50,000.00 or more but less than $100,000.00.

    (b) The person violates subsection (5)(a) and has 2 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

    (7) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $50,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

    (a) The money or property used or obtained, or attempted to be used or obtained, has a value of $100,000.00 or more.

    (b) The person violates subsection (6)(a) and has 2 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

    (8) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the values of money or property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained in separate incidents pursuant to a scheme or course of conduct within any 12-month period may be aggregated to determine the total value of money or personal property used or obtained or attempted to be used or obtained. If the scheme or course of conduct is directed against only 1 person, no time limit applies to aggregation under this subsection.

    (9) If the prosecuting attorney intends to seek an enhanced sentence based upon the defendant having 1 or more prior convictions, the prosecuting attorney shall include on the complaint and information a statement listing the prior conviction or convictions. The existence of the defendant's prior conviction or convictions shall be determined by the court, without a jury, at sentencing or at a separate hearing for that purpose before sentencing. The existence of a prior conviction may be established by any evidence relevant for that purpose, including, but not limited to, 1 or more of the following:

    (a) A copy of the judgment of conviction.

    (b) A transcript of a prior trial, plea-taking, or sentencing.

    (c) Information contained in a presentence report.

    (d) The defendant's statement.

    (10) If the sentence for a conviction under this section is enhanced by 1 or more prior convictions, those prior convictions shall not be used to further enhance the sentence for the conviction under section 10, 11, or 12 of chapter IX of the code of criminal procedure, 1927 PA 175, MCL 769.10, 769.11, and 769.12.

    (11) A financial institution or a broker or a director, officer, employee, or agent of a financial institution or broker is not in violation of this section while performing duties in the normal course of business of a financial institution or broker or a director, officer, employee, or agent of a financial institution or broker.

    (13) The court may order a sentence imposed for a violation of subsection (4), (5), (6), or (7) to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for a violation of this section.

    (14) This section does not prohibit a person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law the person commits while violating this section.

    (15) As used in this section:

    (a) "Broker" means that term as defined in section 8102 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.8102.

    (b) "Financial institution" means a bank, credit union, saving bank, or a savings and loan chartered under state or federal law or an affiliate of a bank, credit union, saving bank, or savings and loan chartered under state or federal law.

    (c) "Vulnerable adult" means that term as defined in section 145m, whether or not the individual has been determined by the court to be incapacitated.

    (16) If the office of services to the aging becomes aware of a violation of this section, the office of services to the aging shall promptly report the violation to the department of human services.

History: Add. 2000, Act 222, Eff. Sept. 25, 2000 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 255, Eff. Sept. 1, 2004 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 172, Imd. Eff. June 19, 2012 ;-- Am. 2013, Act 34, Imd. Eff. May 21, 2013

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 19 cases (6 in the last 5 years), 2014–2025 · leading case: People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025).
Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment
People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025). · cites it 17× “MCL 750.174a states, in relevant part: (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 7× “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 7× “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
People of Michigan v. David Darnell Robinson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 6× “It provides, in pertinent part: “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason…”
People of Michigan v. Renee Lee Bullock (Mich. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 10× “During the section of Price’s closing argument cited by defendant on appeal, Price argued that there was no proof that defendant was, in fact, a vulnerable adult pursuant to MCL 750.174a. Defendant’s argument that Price incorrectly focused on the wrong statute is unfounded…”
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 4× “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 4× “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
People of Michigan v. Candy Juanita Lawson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 4× “Under these circumstances, a consecutive sentence was specifically authorized under MCL 750.174a(13). No doubt recognizing the statutory authorization for a consecutive sentence, defendant makes no argument on appeal challenging the legal possibility of consecutive sentencing.”
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). · cites it 4× “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). · cites it 4× “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2023). · cites it 3× “Defendant was charged with illegally obtaining $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 from a vulnerable adult, a ten-year felony contrary to MCL 750.174a(5)(a). At defendant’s preliminary examination with his court-appointed attorney, the prosecution offered that, if defendant…”
People of Michigan v. David Michael Cooper (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 2× “We believe that reasonable jurors could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt from the substantial evidence presented at trial that Byle was a vulnerable adult of whom defendant took advantage by obtaining and using her money and property through either fraud, deceit,…”
Show all 19 citing cases →
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(1) — 11 cases
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025). “MCL 750.174a states, in relevant part: (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(13) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. Candy Juanita Lawson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “Under these circumstances, a consecutive sentence was specifically authorized under MCL 750.174a(13). No doubt recognizing the statutory authorization for a consecutive sentence, defendant makes no argument on appeal challenging the legal possibility of consecutive sentencing.”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(15)(c) — 5 cases
People of Michigan v. David Darnell Robinson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “It provides, in pertinent part: “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason…”
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
People of Michigan v. Gary Edward Haynes (Mich. Ct. App. 2021). “159i(1); obtaining or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment (exploiting a vulnerable adult) when the value of the money or property equaled or exceeded $100,000, MCL 750.174a(1) and (7)(a); eight…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(2) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025). “MCL 750.174a states, in relevant part: (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(3)(a) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025). “MCL 750.174a states, in relevant part: (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(4) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. Candy Juanita Lawson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “Under these circumstances, a consecutive sentence was specifically authorized under MCL 750.174a(13). No doubt recognizing the statutory authorization for a consecutive sentence, defendant makes no argument on appeal challenging the legal possibility of consecutive sentencing.”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(4)(a) — 6 cases
People of Michigan v. Renee Lee Bullock (Mich. Ct. App. 2014). “During the section of Price’s closing argument cited by defendant on appeal, Price argued that there was no proof that defendant was, in fact, a vulnerable adult pursuant to MCL 750.174a. Defendant’s argument that Price incorrectly focused on the wrong statute is unfounded…”
People of Michigan v. Jessica Michelle Englebrecht (Mich. Ct. App. 2025). “MCL 750.174a states, in relevant part: (1) A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having…”
People of Michigan v. David Darnell Robinson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “It provides, in pertinent part: “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason…”
People of Michigan v. Candy Juanita Lawson (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “Under these circumstances, a consecutive sentence was specifically authorized under MCL 750.174a(13). No doubt recognizing the statutory authorization for a consecutive sentence, defendant makes no argument on appeal challenging the legal possibility of consecutive sentencing.”
People of Michigan v. Sherry Suzanne Dunn (Mich. Ct. App. 2022).
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(5)(a) — 4 cases
People of Michigan v. Regina Lynne Spears-Everett (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).
People of Michigan v. Regina Lynne Spears-Everett (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2023). “Defendant was charged with illegally obtaining $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 from a vulnerable adult, a ten-year felony contrary to MCL 750.174a(5)(a). At defendant’s preliminary examination with his court-appointed attorney, the prosecution offered that, if defendant…”
People of Michigan v. Renee Lee Bullock (Mich. Ct. App. 2014). “During the section of Price’s closing argument cited by defendant on appeal, Price argued that there was no proof that defendant was, in fact, a vulnerable adult pursuant to MCL 750.174a. Defendant’s argument that Price incorrectly focused on the wrong statute is unfounded…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(6) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2023). “Defendant was charged with illegally obtaining $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 from a vulnerable adult, a ten-year felony contrary to MCL 750.174a(5)(a). At defendant’s preliminary examination with his court-appointed attorney, the prosecution offered that, if defendant…”
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(6)(a) — 7 cases
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
People of Michigan v. Frederick William Cords Jr (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “174a(1), “[a] person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to know the vulnerable…”
People of Michigan v. Shawn Kristi Dicken (Mich. Ct. App. 2016).
People of Michigan v. David Michael Cooper (Mich. Ct. App. 2018). “We believe that reasonable jurors could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt from the substantial evidence presented at trial that Byle was a vulnerable adult of whom defendant took advantage by obtaining and using her money and property through either fraud, deceit,…”
People of Michigan v. David Michael Cooper (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(7) — 1 case
People of Michigan v. James Ira Maki (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).
— Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.174a(7)(a) — 2 cases
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
People of Michigan v. Eric Gala (Mich. Ct. App. 2017). “MCL 750.174a(1) reads, “A person shall not through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment obtain or use or attempt to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s -22- money or property to directly or indirectly benefit that person knowing or having reason to…”
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