Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Re: Crimnal Theft

Thank you for the post.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing these troubles.

Under Minnesota law, any theft over $1000 would be charged as a felony offense. It is punishable by potential prison time and a myriad of consequences which include limiting your ability to vote, registering as a felon in any new state, restrictions on travel to certain foreign countries, and restrictions on your abillity to possess a weapon.

It would certainly be wise not to make any more statements to your former employer or to law enforcement. Instead, if inquiry is made politely decline to respond and seek immediate legal counsel.

Withthe the assistance of a lawyer, it may be possible to seek a resolution which would not result in a felony or even a criminal conviction. In fact, there are several counties in Minnesota that allow first time offenders to enter diversion programs wherein the adjudication of guilt is stayed pending certain probationary conditions which would include payment of restitution in the amount of the financial loss.

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Re: Crimnal Theft

Call me to discuss in detail. For now, suffice to say that giving a statement to anyone about this is a serious mistake. The only person you should be discussing this with is a good criminal defense lawyer.

If you have no priors, the normal goal in such cases is to keep the public record clean of any guilty pleas AND convictions. Avoid pleading guilty. Get a good lawyer. Call me if you wish to discuss.

Re: Crimnal Theft

I don't know what might happen. Were the police called into investigate? If they were, you will probably be charged. Have you paid back the store what you owe? That always helps.

Chances are that you will be charged with a felony if the police were called into the investigation. If that happens, you need a lawyer to help you get through the situation. If you are lucky, the prosecution will reduce the offense from a felony level to a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor level. But, you need a lawyer to make that happen.

A felony on your record carries lots of consequences, including inability to vote, live in public housing, ban from having most types of firearms,.

Bottom line: Get a lawyer.

Herbert C. Kroon

Attorney at Law

Chesley, Kroon, Harvey & Carpenter

[email protected]