Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

My husband was recently arrested for shoplifting. This is his first offense of any sort. He had less than 50 dollars worth of food from a grocery store. I'm 5 months pregnant and don't work and I'm really scared he's going to get sent to jail. He doesn't think so but I'm still really worried. Please help.


Asked on 4/03/10, 11:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sean Santoro Santoro Law Office

Even on a first offence, misdemeanor theft charges carry the possibility of jail. However, if your husband has never been charged with a crime, he may be eligible for a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS). Under an SIS, a defendant who pleads guilty is put on probation. There may be court ordered requirements such as: stay out of trouble, restitution to the victim, an order to stay away from the victim's store, an order to attend an anti-shoplifting class, and payment of court costs and fees. If the probation is successfully completed, the defendant does not have to go to jail, and the charge will not appear as a conviction on his criminal record. Feel free to contact me if you need additional information.

Sean Santoro/Licensed in KS and MO

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Answered on 4/09/10, 7:16 am


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