Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

PettyTheft

Im seeking employment,have 2 girls,dont get child support,im broke.I find a wallet,It contains credit cards,a checkbook,a cashcard,and$ 15.00. I have always been one who turns these things in. Broke as i am, I decide to help myself to the $15.00 in cash.I turn the wallet in ,with everything else untouched.I get chased down by a security gaurd( (,who has been hasseling me for weeks for other things)I was aware of the surrouynding cameras,so i new the gift shop next to me was a safe place to retrieve the 15.00 from the wallet.Not only that my 4 yr. daughter ran into the gift shop, so i had to get her from there any way.I was threatened all sorts of stuff by this gaurd,I DO FEEL LIKE CRAPP FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE,But i was a victom a few years ago because i left my purse some where,$635.00 stolen from me,the police said there was nothing i could do! My medicine clinic said he cannot have me arrested because i found it on the floor,and it was the womans fault for not being more carefyl,Please get back to me ASAP! THANK YOU DEARLY!!!--name removed--wALD P.S. This all occured at a hospital


Asked on 8/25/05, 6:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: PettyTheft

I'm not buying the idea that your difficult situation, or your past loss to theft, morally justifies stealing $15. Obviously, there were many, many lawful and morally defensible alternatives available to you, better than theft. These excuses make you seem worse than the act of theft itself. I hope you have learned from this to never steal again.

From a legal perspective, you would be well advised to avoid giving any statements to police or anyone else about this incident. You are not required to talk about it. You also have the right to legal counsel during any questioning.

If you are charged with a crime, retain a criminal defense lawyer or apply for the public defender. They can advise you further. Being convicted could hurt your future employment, future housing, and other future opportunities in life. I hope you will do your best to avoid being convicted, and to avoid any future wrongful behavior. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/26/05, 11:26 am


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