Many people are unaware of the serious consequences that come with a shoplifting conviction. Even if you have only been charged with a misdemeanor, you may still face prison time and/or a fine. However, even after you have served your punishment, you still face certain problems down the road. Employers, associations, credit bureaus and landlords all check your permanent record before agreeing to do business with you. You may have trouble to find meaningful employment, obtain credit, keep a professional license and even find a decent place to live. Before you accept your guilty plea for shoplifting, you need to consider what this misdemeanor could mean for the rest of your life.
Expungement Law and Apple Valley Shoplifting Attorneys
Expungement is one possibility that most people will look at when facing a criminal conviction. They may think it is wise to accept a guilty plea and then ask for expungement at a later date. However, the reality is this – a plea of guilty resulting in a permanent criminal conviction for shoplifting cannot be fully expunged. 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 option is to ensure that your shoplifting arrest remains off your permanent record from day one. This is where an Apple Valley shoplifting lawyer comes in.
Facing a Shoplifting Conviction – Now what?
When facing a shoplifting conviction, the first thing you need to do is contact an experienced Apple Valley criminal defense lawyer. The reason is because you will need someone who understands the Minnesota law and can ensure you do not end up with a permanent shoplifting conviction. With over 22 years experience in criminal defense, Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. can provide you with the aggression and the experience you want. Furthermore, 95% of his misdemeanors shoplifting clients have had their theft case dismissed. This statistic can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal. And can you really afford to risk it?
The second thing you need to understand when it comes to a shoplifting conviction is that keeping your mouth shut is often your best option. Many people will try to talk their way out of the arrest. It is important to note that anything you say can and will be used against you, which is why it is best to leave the talking to the professionals.
Shoplifting Conviction Consequences
Trying to explain a theft conviction can be next to impossible. Potential employers, landlords and colleges will not care if you only stole ten dollars or if it was all a big mistake. They will see the black mark on your criminal record and walk away. It may seem like a good idea to plead guilty now and just accept the fee for shoplifting. However, in five years down the road, this conviction will still remain on your record, haunting you at every major moment in your life.
The key is to keep it off your record from the outset!
Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. can help make this happen. You have already made one mistake by committing the crime in the first place – don’t escalate the mistake by hiring the wrong attorney or attempting to face the Minnesota court system alone.
Apple Valley Theft Lawyers and Attorneys
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley criminal defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.