Seeking Minnesota Shoplifting Information
Good morning,
I am a 21 year old female who was caught shoplifting at a Duluth retail store on Tuesday of this week. I was stopped by an employee who said that a woman had seen me put something in my bag. I lied twice, panicking and saying at first that I didn't have anything, and then saying that I had OCD (so lame, I know) and I couldn't stand to have anything in my hands. At that point I was blathering because I was so frightened. The police were called and I was given a citation reading theft. I was also recommened to seek help, which I have done through both a psychotherapist/counselor and through a NASP--National Association for Shoplifting Prevention--adult education program. I was free to go after that, banned from the store forever. My court date is set in the third week of August.
I have many questions. This is my first offense, and I have a clean record prior to this incident. I need to know these things based on my situation of working for a federal branch of the government (National Park Service) and having little to no money to work with (although I did have enough to buy the item, ironically.)
1. Do I now have a criminal record, before sentencing, which can now be pulled up in a background check?
2. How do I find out if I qualify for a public defender in MN?
3. What kind of sentence can I expect? I don't even know how to plead at this point, because in reading other posts, it seems pleading guilty is not the way to go...?
4. What kind of experience can I expect in court?
5. If I was convicted in a county not my own, will the sentence go to my local paper as well, or is it just the county where the arrest and sentencing takes place?
Thank you all very much for your time and help. I appreciate it tremendously.
Re: Minnesota shoplifting: information please!
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1. Do I now have a criminal record, before sentencing, which can now be pulled up in a background check?
No you have not yet been convicted and cannot have a criminal background until then. Consult with a criminal defense Attorney ask about diversion and if you qualify
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2. How do I find out if I qualify for a public defender in MN?
Contact the courthouse they can tell you the procedure and how you qualify
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3. What kind of sentence can I expect? I don't even know how to plead at this point, because in reading other posts, it seems pleading guilty is not the way to go...?
This is why you should discuss your options with an Attorney.
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4. What kind of experience can I expect in court?
Same as everyone else face your charges and be judge according to evidence
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5. If I was convicted in a county not my own, will the sentence go to my local paper as well, or is it just the county where the arrest and sentencing takes place?
No one here will know that check with court and local paper.
Re: Minnesota shoplifting: information please!
An arrest or criminal charge may show up in a criminal record, even if the disposition is an acquittal or the case is not yet over.
Re: Seeking Minnesota Shoplifting Information
Thank you for your answers, both of you. My biggest fear right now is losing my job with the park service. I am writing up an admittance for both of my supervisors to discuss with them. The last thing I want is a random background check to be performed, and to have them find out that I've been arrested for theft in that manner, rather than through my telling them. I am a nervous wreck and sick with worry every day that I walk into the office. I feel as though my fear and anxiety (and guilt) is tangible. I wish I'd have thought more.
I will call the courthouse on Monday and see what I can find out about a public defender and whether or not my name will be printed in my hometown paper. Thanks again for responding...it means a lot.