Caught Shoplifting at a retail store I worked at.

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Caught Shoplifting at a retail store I worked at.

I was caught shoplifting less than $200 worth of merchandise from a retail store. I have never done anything like this before or been accused of any crimes in the past. I have an upcoming court date set. What can I expect at this court hearing? How can I prepare myself? What is the best way to go about having this taken off of my record so it doesn’t effect future employment opportunities?

Asked on June 17, 2009 under Criminal Law, Minnesota

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

In Minnesota, in cases of theft where the value of the property or services stolen is $250 or less,  the penalties are: imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

As to your case, when you state that you worked it out, I take that to mean that you made restitution.  If so, that will weigh in your favor with the court as will the fact that this is your first offense.

As a first-time offender, you may be granted something known as "diversion".  If you are granted this, you will plead guilty to the charge but the plea will not be entered into the record.  Instead you will be given probation, have to make restitution (if applicable), and possibly perform community service.  If you successfully complete the terms of your probation, your case is dismissed.  You can then move to have your arrest record "expunged" (cleared).  If, however, you violate your probation is some way, the judge will reinstate your guilty plea and you will likely get the maximum allowable sentence for the offense; not to mention be saddled with a criminal record.

As to expungement, it can be granted in cases where diversion is given.  At such time as your probation ends, you can make application to the appropriate court for it (there may be a statutory waiting period between probation termination and when you can actually file for this however).

You really should consider consulting with an attorney in your state.  This is a criminal matter and as you are aware it can effect things in you future such as employment.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption