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 Long Lake 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 a Long Lake shoplifting lawyer comes in.
Facing a Shoplifting Conviction – Now what?
Been arrested for shoplifting and wondering what to do next? First, you should immediately retain the services of a qualified Long Lake 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.
Long Lake Theft Lawyers and Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been arrested for shoplifting in Long Lake, then you want to make sure you have an experienced lawyer in your corner. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. can provide you with the confidence that you have the best Long Lake criminal defense attorney on your side. Martin Azarian doesn’t farm out your case to a lesser, experienced attorney. He does not have “just admitted” attorneys on his staff, or inexperienced attorneys in his office. You can be 100% confident in your Long Lake shoplifting attorney. Give Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. a call today at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation and see how his representation can make all the difference to your case.