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Caught for Theft at Walmart

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  • 07-11-2010, 10:08 PM
    ZyngaSucks
    Caught for Theft at Walmart
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota

    I was with a friend and he was caught shoplifting. I stayed since I didn't want to leave him. They took me in the room later though (I know it was my own fault that I could have gotten away). But my friend, who is considered a minor, was charged with the bill which was about $150, Parents called, misdemeanor. I on the other hand am an adult and was given a citation for my first offense for shoplifting theft and a year ban from Walmart.

    My questions are:
    1. Do I just wait for the fine to be sent in the mail or do I call them? The cop told me to call the number on the back, but it's just to pay for it...

    1a. Will I just be billed a fine for the citation in the mail or is there more? Would this include any community service or jail time? Or would it like tell me to go to court?

    I just want to make it clear that they only saw me take the items out of the box. My friend was the one to pocket it, so technically I didn't take anything. I actually just bought some envelopes that day. The man in the room said I could be charged with treason since I brought that razor to open the box which they saw. It only says shoplifting theft on the citation however.

    2. Will this be charged on my permanent record or would this be determined in court?

    3. Will this affect my financial aid or like my enrollment of my school? I'm in a state university right now.
  • 07-11-2010, 11:55 PM
    pinky54656
    Re: Caught for Theft at Walmart
    Is there a court date on your citation you recieved? The officer should have explained this to you . . . . Whatever you do, do not plead guilty and DO show up for your court appearance. If you do plead guilty, you will have no chance in getting it off your record or having a chance to be in a diversion program. Right now, your record will say that you were CHARGED with shoplifting. If you plead or are found guilty it will say CONVICTED. Convictions is what is going to mess up your future - not a charge only. Having theft on your record will screw a lot of your future plans - school and jobs. It doesn't matter who actually "pocketed" the item. In MN all they need to prove is "intent to deprive a business of an asset". You demonstrated intent by opening the box, thus making the item unsellable and depriving the company of THEIR item. You need to consult a lawyer!
  • 07-12-2010, 01:19 AM
    ZyngaSucks
    Re: Caught for Theft at Walmart
    No court date mentioned on the ticket. The officer briefly mentioned something about court, but never said a date. He vaguely mentioned court and and possible like community service. Then again he was unclear since he was talking to us both.

    Would it be worth it even to go to court to plead not guilty with that chance of getting convicted? If they have a video, it's only of my friend pocketing the item. I'm not sure if they could even see me cutting the box. Sorry, I've never experienced any of this before.

    And the CHARGED status, can that ever go away?

    Edit: Is consulting a lawyer expensive at all? I'm assuming it is...
  • 07-12-2010, 06:52 AM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Caught for Theft at Walmart
    Many Criminal Defense Lawyers offer free consultations.

    You are not innocent - you aided in your friend shoplifting. You provided the razor, opened the box, and took items out of the box. And you obviously knew your friend was shoplifting.

    You would be amazed at what some stores cameras can see - some can even zoom in to tell what side of a quarter is facing up.
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