I stupidly did the dumbest mistake ever and shoplifted an item at Kohls less than $50. I am not sure exactly but I know it is not much. They stopped me after I exited the store, and took me to the back, made me sign trespassing papers and a cop came and recorded me saying that I shoplifted. I just figured I own up to it since it was already on camera but I don't know if that will hurt me later in court?
I have never been charged with anything, never been pulled over, nothing. I am fine with paying the fines of the crime and all but the one thing that I am scared to death of and losing sleep over is having this on my record for background checks. I go to college for nursing and am nearly done and depend immensely on loans.
What are my options at this point? Do I even have a chance?
It will likely be a pretty manageable case but you will want to hire an attorney to minimize any collatetal damage if not preserve your clean record entirely.
Yes, you have a chance. Fortunately for you, there are several ways to resolve this case without it resulting in a criminal conviction. It would be in your best interest to retain an attorney who can help guide you through this process.
amuel John EdmundsDUI / DWI AttorneyMendota Heights, MN ·
This is a misdemeanor crime, not a petty misdemeanor. You need a plea deal to keep this thing off of your record. Hire an attorney to help you try to achieve that goal.
This is a misdemeanor theft. Your admissions made can be used against you. However, there are dispositions that would ultimately keep it off your record, such as a stay of adjudication. Talk to an attorney and you definitely could minimize the consequences, since this is a first offense.
David Henry SchultzCriminal Defense AttorneyCarver, MN ·
Most jurisdictions offer some sort of theft diversion program for first-time "petty" offenders. These programs allow you to resolve your case without a conviction on the condition that you complete certain conditions (sometimes including classes, fines, agreement to have no "same or similar" offenses and remain law abiding). An attorney be able to negotiate a diversion deal and even a shorter time frame for dismissal with the prosecutor. This will be important given your upcoming graduation and job search.
