Shoplifting is a leading criminal offense across the state of Minnesota, affecting thousands of retailers every day. Because of this, many retailers are taking extreme measures to stop shoplifters which have resulted in more and more shoplifting arrests.

Shoplifting Charges

There are a number of activities that constitute as shoplifting. Stealing an item from a store is the most common definition of shoplifting but other shoplifting offenses can include switching price tags and exchanging items of greater value. Some shoplifting schemes are performed by individuals while others are part of a team effort and strategic plan. If you are caught shoplifting, regardless of whether you have been accused of stealing a pencil or a wide screen television, then you could be facing a criminal conviction.

In most instances, if this is your first offense, shoplifting will be charged as petty theft and, if convicted, you will receive a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor charge. This can result in up to 90 days in prison as well as a $3000 fine. You may be able to reduce this sentence and, in some instance, you may be put on probation instead of facing prison time. However, if the amount of stolen goods is over $400 and/or this is then you may be facing a felony charge of grant theft or larceny. Felony convictions come with heftier fines, heavier prison time sentences and other serious implications.

Shoplifting and Juveniles

Shoplifting is one of the leading criminal offenses committed by juveniles. It is unknown why juveniles and shoplifting tend to go hand in hand but it has been suggested that this is due to the amount of free time, the lack of a dependable income and the presence of boredom and/or peer pressure. Furthermore, most shoplifting crimes will take place around the holiday seasons, especially during Christmas when the malls are busier and thus the surveillance may not be as reliable.

Juveniles will often assume that a shoplifting charge will result in a simple slap on the wrist or perhaps a few hours of community service. This is usually not the case. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you can expect this charge to impact your entire life. After all, a criminal offense will remain on your record forever. This could cause problems down the road. You may have trouble finding decent work, getting into a good school, applying for a student loan or finding a rental apartment. After all, your permanent record can, and often is, checked during all employee, student and tenant leasing agreements.

Take Action Now

If you or someone you love has been accused of shoplifting, you will need to contact an experienced Minnesota shoplifting attorney right away. At the Law Offices of William K. Bulmer II, you will not only get a compassionate, qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney, but you will also get the assurance that your case is in the best legal hands. A shoplifting conviction can negatively impact your entire life – do not take this risk with your future. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Bulmer II today for a free, no obligation consultation at 612-384-7003.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 4:21 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.