Saint Paul, MN asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota

Q: I was caught shoplifting at Walmart. They said I had 50 or 80 dollars worth of items that didn't get scanned.

The police officer showed up and said he wasn't going to book me but, I might receive a citation in the mail. First I received a court date and a couple days later I received a citation. I've never been in trouble in my life for anything. I'm not trying to make this sound like a excuse but, I was having anxiety panic attacks and was not thinking correctly. I was wondering what will happen I have never been through this before.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: What will happen will depend upon you, and what you do. Most people facing a first-time criminal theft charge want to keep their record clean. And usually I'm able to help my clients do that. But other people go to court without a lawyer, talk to the prosecutor, plead guilty, and get a criminal record for theft. That can make it hard to get a good paying job or apartment. I'd suggest: get a lawyer and keep a conviction off of your public court record.

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