You are here:

Criminal Law/Petty misdemeanor

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/12/2009


Question
I was recently caught shoplifting at a walmart store in southern MN. Theft control caught me, i was questioned and a officer came, got my information and i received a citation. The total amount i tried to steal was 14.98$, it was an electronic flash drive. This is my first offense and before i was caught my record was clean. The officer told me it was a petty misdemeanor and was given a court date. If it helps the statute ordinance is 609.52. I am 18 years old and about to head off to college in a few weeks and hope to not have to come back for a court date. On the back of the citation there is a plea of guilty and waiver. I was wondering if i sign it and turn it in to the police shop, will i still have to attend my court date or will i just be billed my fine or community service? Also how long will this be on my record? When can i expunge?

Answer
I cannot give you legal advice because it is prohibited.  In fact I normally would not answer a question like this because it deals with a specific case.

I am going to answer it because you are about to do something that will affect you for the rest of your life.  If you plead guilty you will have a criminal record for theft for the rest of your life.  You will never get any kind of job that involves anything close to trust and will always have to admit that you are a convicted thief.  Guess what your job prospects will be?  

I strongly advise you to talk to an attorney before you do anything.

Criminal Law

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.