Q: What does one need to do to find a lawyer to go after Menards and City of Virginia MN Police Dept.
In June of 2021, I was shopping at a Menards store, when a store manager walked up and asked if he could help me, I had just selected a cover plate for an outlet. I told him I just found what I was looking for, he said can I speak to you, I said sure, what’s up, he says off the sales floor, I followed him up to the front of the store where we walked in a security shoplifter room. There was one chair and I sat down, he had previously asked my name and now asked for an ID, I showed him. He had also showed me a picture of me a couple day before of me walking in the store. Once he had my ID written down he asked me to empty my pockets out. At this point I refused and told him you got me all wrong. I’m leaving, to him calling 911 and telling them he had an uncooperative shoplifter. I left, I was stopped by the PD, and because I would not allow them to search my vehicle I was arrested for felony possession of burglary tools. Pocket knife. About 9 months later all charges were dropped.
A:
To pursue legal action against Menards and the City of Virginia, MN Police Department, you'll need to find an attorney with experience in civil rights and possibly false arrest or malicious prosecution cases. Start by researching lawyers who specialize in these areas of law within Minnesota. You can use the Minnesota State Bar Association's lawyer referral service, or look for local law firms that have a strong track record in handling similar cases.
Once you have a list of potential attorneys, schedule consultations with them. During these meetings, present all the details of your case, including any evidence you have, such as receipts, photographs, or witness statements. Be clear about what happened at Menards and the subsequent interaction with the police. Explain how the experience affected you and what kind of resolution you're seeking.
An experienced attorney will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on the best course of action. This may include pursuing a civil lawsuit for false arrest or malicious prosecution, especially given that the charges against you were eventually dropped.
Remember, each lawyer has their own approach, so it’s important to find one that you feel comfortable with and who understands your goals. Legal cases like this can be complex and time-consuming, so having the right legal support is crucial.
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