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What can I expect if I got picked up yesterday for retail theft?

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Home » Ask a Lawyer » What can I expect if I got picked up yesterday for retail theft?

What can I expect if I got picked up yesterday for retail theft?

I went to jail and got bonded out. I have a court date on the 24th of this month and am really nervous. This Is my first time ever getting into trouble. I feel terrible for what I did. I don’t know what I was thinking when I was doing It but, I did and now I’ve got to pay my consequences. Am I looking at more jail time; I am extremely worried about that? I just want to get all this out the way and do the right thing.

Asked on July 7, 2014 under Criminal Law, Iowa

Answers:

Maury Beaulier / MinnesotaLawyers.com

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

A theft offense can be very serious.  
 
In Minnesota, a theft with a value under $500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail.  A theft with a value between $500 and $1000 is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, and a theft with a value over $1000 is a felony with penalties that can result in prison time. 
 
The collateral consequences of any theft can often be as serious as the criminal penalties offering a lifetime of frustration which can impact employment, renting apartments, entrance in to post-secondary education and anything that requires a background check.  Accordingly, a strong defense is necessary.
 
If you have no prior offense, a from of community diversion may be available which keeps the offense off of your record and preserves your future.  
 
Many lawyers offer free consultations for criminal matters.  You would be wise to take advantage of such a  consultation with an experienced attorney.   

Richard Southard / Law Office of Richard Southard

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

It depends on the amount they allege you  took..  Since it's you're first offense, there is an excellent chance of resolving the case without going to jail and without having a criminal record.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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