Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Disorderly Conduct/ retail fraud 3rd

Here is the bottom line.....originally got busted for taking 1 $12.00 earing. Was chraged with Retail Fraud 3rd and got a plea deal for it to be lowered to disorderly conduct. got probation for 8 months and have to complete a shoplifiting awareness program plus some minor copunseling and no using alcohol? and I have to seek or maintain employment. MY MAIN question is WILL MY CURRENT EMPLOYER FIND OUT ABOUT THIS? i am really scared? how bad does this look on my records if for some reason they were to run my criminal history although they already did this when i was hired. because i also have to provide verication or they have to see i have employment. so how exactly does it/this work. did my lawyer get me a good deal. i am from MI. my lawyer said this is the most minor thing to be charged with and that if it ever came up i could tell the employer me and some buddies were being loud in a store we were asked to leave and we didnt and the cops came?

The most the prosecution would do is knock it down to dirorderly conduct...do most employers run your criminal background once you have worked with them for a while if they ran it before they hired you?

thanks please answer my questions thanks


Asked on 6/26/08, 10:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Disorderly Conduct/ retail fraud 3rd

It depends on the terms of your conviction - if it was taken "under advisement" until you complete all your terms of probation, at which time it will be dismissed. If so, it is likely not on your record right now. However, if you pled guilty, and were then sentenced to the conditions above, then yes, it appears on your criminal record. You need to either look at your paperwork and obtain a copy of your criminal history report, so you know how to properly and honestly answer questions on employment applications, and what your potential employer could find out about, so you are prepared.

And yes it is a good deal that you were able to plead to disorderly conduct, versus retail fraud, which everyone knows is stealing/shoplifting. Disorderly conduct can cover a wide range of matters, including being "loud" or swearing in front of someone in a public place. A lot of times people get charged/convicted of this when they are drunk and fall down, or get mouthy with the cops.

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Answered on 6/26/08, 5:54 pm


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