Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Don't talk to the cops. You can't help yourself at this point. Either hire a lawyer, or tell the cops you don't want to talk to them. If you are going to get charged with a crime its going to happen whether you speak to them or not. DON'T TALK TO THE COPS.

Answer: Maybe. You aren�t giving me enough information to give you a well reasoned response. Did a store clerk confront you? Were the police called? If no one confronted you at the store when it happened, how are they going to know who you are or where you live? If you can answer these sorts of questions, I can give you a better answer.

Herbert C. Kroon

Attorney at Law

Chesley, Kroon, Harvey & Carpenter

[email protected]

507-625-3000

F-507-625-2002

I believe I answered this when you posted it on AVVO. As I stated, you should politely decline making any statement to police. It will not help your situation and regardless of what you say, it creates potential evidence which can be manipulated to be used against you. You should contact a lawyer immediately.

A theft offense can be very serious. While any theft under $500 is a misdemeanor. Such an offense is still punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. The collateral consequences of a conviction can also be extremely significant and preclude a person from finding employment where background checks are performed.

Often, if you have no prior offenses, a conviction can be avoided with a Stay of Prosecution. A Stay of Prosecution means that the offense is never recorded on your record and stayed for a certain periofd of time to ensure that you do not have another offense.

We can assist you in making sure that your record is not affected.

For a FREE consultation call 612.240.8005.