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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    2

    Unhappy First Time Shoplifting and No Record

    my question involves criminal law for the state of: MINNESOTA

    last month i was caught for shoplifting at a grocery store, where my items added up to barely $20. i know it was a dumb move and i don't even remember why i did it. i was caught by loss prevention and was told to sign a bunch of paperwork, which none of it was explained to me. i was in such a distraught phase that i didn't even bother asking questons, i just signed away. i was sent a letter for a civil demand of $50, which i immediately paid. i have had no record prior to this and hoping that i can have no record after this. i also received a letter in the mail saying that i now have a court date on march 1st. i am not sure what i should expect in court or as to what sort of punishment i will receive. i have never stolen anything before nor do i ever plan to again. what should i do?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    207

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting and No Record

    Well, you already paid the civil demand, so the court date is probably because you are being criminally charged.

    When you show up for court on March 1st (don't miss it!), you will be arraigned. An arraignment is a brief hearing where you are told what the charges against you are and asked to enter a plea. At arraignment, ALWAYS plead not guilty. Pleading guilty will never help; that's an automatic conviction and removes any chance of a plea bargain or diversion.

    If you can afford a lawyer, you should find one before your arraignment; if not, ask for a public defender in court after you enter a plea. Your lawyer can try to get you into a diversion program or negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. (Trespass looks better than shoplifting on a job application!)

    In any case, you'll have to put up with a new host of expenses for probation and court costs unless the charges are dismissed outright, which is highly unlikely. It would have been far cheaper just to pay the $20 at the store.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    2

    Question Re: First Time Shoplifting and No Record

    how soon would this show up on my background check? i am currently applying for different jobs, so i am worried that this will show up (though i am sure that it will)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting and No Record

    It will only show up in the theft database many retailers subscribe to but not a criminal background check until you are found guilty. That is why you must get a lawyer to assist you in your case.

    On applications they ask if you have ever been CONVICTED of a crime. If at the time of the application you have not, check NO.

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