If you have been arrested for shoplifting, you need to think about what this could do to your life. Although a shoplifting conviction may not seem like that big of deal, especially in comparison to murder to homicide, petty shoplifting is still considered a misdemeanor offense and can result in up to 90 days in prison and/or a fine of $1,000. Furthermore, you will most likely have a hard time moving on once you have served your punishment. You may have difficulties finding a decent job, letting an apartment and obtaining a loan; after all, employers, landlords, credit bureaus and professional associations are all able to access your criminal record and uncover your shoplifting offense. And, furthermore, they most likely will not be interested in the value of the item that was stolen, whether it was your first offense, or even if it was an accident. A permanent shoplifting conviction, no matter how minor, can and will ruin your chance of success in the future.
Anoka County Shoplifting Lawyer and Expungement
Many people who are convicted of shoplifting will assume that the best option is to accept a guilty sentence and then ask for expungement at a later date. After all, something as petty as shoplifting should easily be lifted off the record right? Wrong. A guilty plea for shoplifting cannot be fully expunged from your permanent record. Even if the theft was considered petty, or minor, it will still not be fully expunged which means you will need to live with this mistake for the rest of your life. Your best bet is to keep your shoplifting conviction off your criminal record. This is where an Anoka County shoplifting lawyer comes in.
Facing a Shoplifting Conviction
Been arrested for shoplifting and wondering what to do next? First, you should immediately retain the services of a qualified Anoka County criminal defense attorney with a proven track record. Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. has been defending shoplifting clients for over 22 years and almost 100% of his clients walk away with their theft charges dismissed. Even if you are guilty, it is important to speak to a lawyer about your best defense strategy. There are ways to keep this offense off your criminal record but you cannot do it alone.
Going to court and trying to talk your way out of it will not help. Anything you say in court will be used against you. Trying to explain to the judge what you did is useless and can only end up costing you more than it’s worth. The judge cannot help you; he cannot dismiss your case and cannot give you advice. The judge is only interested in two things: a guilty or not guilty plea. Trying to explain the situation yourself can actually end up harming your case and ensuring you walk away with a guilty verdict. This is something all shoplifting clients want to avoid.
The Consequences of a Shoplifting Conviction
A theft conviction of your permanent record can negatively impact your entire life, more than you may realize. No matter how minor the offense is, you will always have to explain your conviction to potential employers, landlords, credit bureaus, colleges and professional associations, and, in most instances, they do not care about the background behind the conviction. They see a shoplifting conviction and that’s all they see. And, in today’s tough society, a shoplifting conviction can make all the difference between a “yes” and a “no.” Once you are on the criminal background check database, you are on it for life.
The key is to avoid this criminal record now to protect your future.
Shoplifting convictions do destroy lives, even though they are considered a misdemeanor is most instances. One small mistake and you could be facing a lifetime of problems. However, don’t make another mistake and try to fight this conviction alone- call Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. and get the legal representation you need.
Anoka County Theft Lawyers and Attorneys
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Anoka County you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. brings 22 years of experience to your case. You do not have to worry about inexperienced staff members handling your case – the Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. hire only the best and handle all cases with utmost precaution and care. What you need is aggressive representation that can achieve the best possible outcome for you. Call the Anoka County criminal defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.