Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

shoplifting

I got caught shoplifting a $36 item from a retail store. It was a first time offense, I've never been in trouble before. I was so scared at the time I thought it best to just cooperate with the police and I admitted guilt. Now I have to go to court and I'm willing to do absolutely anything for this to stay off of my record. I'm a student and hope to be employed in the public school system one day and I'm scared that this is going to ruin my chances for a job. Is there an adult diversion program in MN for shoplifting? What can I do increase my chances of having this stay off of my record? Thanks for your help.


Asked on 2/23/06, 12:17 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: shoplifting

If you have a clean record, it is often possible for a lawyer to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor where prosecution is Stayed for a period of time that you muist meet certain conditions. If those conditions are met, the charges are dismissed.

It is important to fight theft charges. A conviction may limit later employment opportunities among other things.

Contact us for a consultation

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Answered on 2/23/06, 8:25 am
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: shoplifting

It is important to keep your public record clean of a theft conviction. If you can resolve the case without a conviction, and also without a guilty plea, and have the charge eventually dismissed (such as with a "pretrial diversion program" or "continuance for dismissal" or the like); then under the current MN expungment statute, you could later seek a court order "expunging" even the criminal charge. That would be a reasonable goal, generally in these cases. Your chance of achieving that goal would be better with a good criminal defense lawyer representing you.

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Answered on 2/23/06, 11:47 am


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