Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

shoplifting

This is a first offense. My friend shoplifted an item less than $10.00. She is very sorry for what she did. Does she need a lawyer? What kind of punishment can she expect?


Asked on 4/06/00, 6:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Maury Beaulier Attorney at Law

Re: shoplifting

If your friend has a clean record, she may be able to walk away from this without ANY criminal record. To get such a deal, she should have a lawyer present. It is true that she will not do any jail time even if she pleads guilty. However, she can get a much better deal with a lawyer present.

CLICK HERE for additional information.

Read more
Answered on 4/19/00, 7:43 pm
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: shoplifting

Yes. She will be easy prey for the prosecutor without a lawyer, and will end up with a conviction for theft. This will be on her criminal records forever, and will tell the world she is a thief. Potential employers, landlords, spouses, enemies, will all be able to access her criminal conviction record which is public record. With the internet, this is getting easier to do all the time. If I were her, I'd make a serious effort to avoid a criminal conviction for theft/shoplifting, in other words, get the best criminal defense lawyer she can find, and fight for her future and that of her family of future family. If she pleads guilty it will be too late. Good luck

Read more
Answered on 4/19/00, 10:56 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Minnesota