Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota
Recently I worked for a gas station in Minnesota and was caught on camera not paying for some scratch off tickets. I am not really sure of the total amount unpaid for (no more than $200.) I was fired and later the county cop called me to come in and talk to her about it. We went back and forth with each other with conflicting schedules. I wasn't able to get in and talk to her. So then I got a letter in the mail from her with a summons for theft 609.52 sub2 (5) and a court date. I haven't plead guilty to anyone, even though I am of course. What do I need to do for this court date? Do I need a lawyer? What if I can't afford a lawyer for this? Can I go to it by myself and see what they give me, with the possible to get get another court date to get a lawyer? Could I get jail time? I have no criminal record otherwise, and I will not ever do something like this. Can some one help me please? I have no idea what to do.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Go to court on the day your scheduled. When you get to court check in with the clerk and tell them you want to fill out an application for a public defender. And don't do anything except plead Not Guilty with out first speaking to the public defender or another lawyer.
Thank you for the email.
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.
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