Dakota County Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is often regarded --- by law enforcement and business --- as a petty crime few consequences.  Often ... it's viewed as something that teenagers do - and grow out of.  Generally, most people see this offense as something that can/should be able to be "fixed" by by returning the stolen merchandise to a store and apologizing or just paying for it ... and maybe being ordered, by the authorities, to pay a fine.  

As an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney - and as a former prosecutor - I can (sadly and) confidently assert that this is often not the case.
  

Shoplifting is Bad (For You)

Under the laws of the State of Minnesota law, shoplifting is considered a Theft --- and this crime is treated seriously - by the government and the judge.  And, not only might someone face jail time ... the more serous impact is felt when they go looking for a job, housing and/or a loan from a bank and this indiscretion shows up on a back-ground check.  

Regardless of why you have been charged with shoplifting, conviction can result in numerous criminal penalties, along with the risk of being sued by the merchant in civil court. In addition to getting a lawyer - ASAP - it’s important to understand shoplifting laws and penalties.
 
Theft (Explained)

When most of us think about Shoplifting, I sure we conjur up ideas of someone leaving a store without paying for something. While that certainly counts ... there are a number of different actions that someone could potentially engage in that qualify as retail theft. These include:

• Taking store property without consent;
• Hiding store property without consent;
• Lying to obtain goods; and/or
• Switching price tags to pay less for a product.

Minnesota Shoplifting (Penalties)

Shoplifting charges typically depend on the value of the property taken.  Low value items - under $500, such as a pack of gum, costume jewelry, or a small electronic like a flash drive are generally considered misdemeanors --- where the maximum sentence can be a $1000 fine and 90 days in jail.   More valuable items --- could result in serious charges and penalties can follow. 

Here are a few of the potential penalties you may face:

• Values between $500 and $1,000: Up to $10,000 in fines and/or five years in prison;
• Value between $5,000 and $35,000: Up to $20,000 in fines and/or up to 10 years in prison; and
• Value over $35,000: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to 20 years in prison.

 

Fighting a Shoplifting Charge

A Shoplifting conviction can result in some long-term consequences, including a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. Because of this, you might find it necessary to get answers from a lawyer.  The Rolloff Law Office has represented 100s of individuals who have made a small mistake like this --- to ensure that your rights are protected, it’s important to have a Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer --- with a successful track record --- looking out for your best interests. Contact the Rolloff Law Office - today - and set-up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165

Minnesota Traffic Tickets (Explained)

In many instances, a traffic infraction will result in a ticket and a mark on your driving record. All to many individuals will simply pay the ticket and forget about the implications. However, the reality is that every traffic violation you commit can result in more than just a note on your driving record. You are also looking at higher insurance fees - on top of the fines and penalties. Additionally, traffic violations can add up to misdemeanor (and even gross misdemeanor) offenses. You may not only be looking at a poor driving record but also heavy fines, jail time, license revocation, vehicle impoundment and anger management classes.

As a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, I'm asked on a daily basis about what to do about tickets.  Here are some ideas and suggestions:

SPEEDING AND RECKLESS DRIVING ARRESTS

Speed limit violations, speeding in a construction zone or school zone, reckless driving, erratic lane changes and "road rage" can all be classified as traffic violations. You will most likely be handed a ticket by the arresting officer. In some instances, you may be ordered to attend anger management courses or you may lose your license. It is possible to fight these charges, especially if the ticket was given on unjust grounds.

HIT AND RUN VIOLATIONS


Hit and run violations can be classified as a felony offense in certain instances which is why it is imperative to seek legal counsel as soon as you are accused of being involved in a hit and run case. If you are accused of a hit and run, you are innocent until enough evidence has been collected to prove you are guilty.  (Beware - if you're found guilty you can have your license taken away.)

DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE VIOLATIONS


If your license has been revoked or suspended or if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, then you will most likely lose your license for even longer and be facing further penalties and fines. It is possible to fight back against these convictions with the right legal defense.  (Even if you're "guilty" - an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney can help negotiate an outcome that preserves your driving privilege.)

Honestly, traffic violation cases can be a huge pain in the neck --- because who among us can afford to lose our license or have our vehicle impounded due to a few outstanding traffic violation tickets? This is why it is so important to fight back against traffic violations before they negatively impact your finances and your transportation freedom.  The Rolloff Law Office handles all manner of traffic violation cases, both inside and outside the court, and can provide you and your family with the aggressive representation, dedicated legal assistance and a sound defense that will make all the difference to your case.  Call today to set up a FREE consultation: (612) 234-1165.

Top 5 - There Are No Stupid Questions?

You'd think I'd heard them all, but everyday (and in almost every way) i get questions - lots and lots of legal questions.  Here are my (current) Top 5 favorites - The Traffic Edition.

-1-

Q: Can I get a DWI while riding a horse?
A: No.  The same goes for a bicycle too.  Why? Because neither has a motor.

-2- 

Q: Can I get a DWI, even if I am on private property?     
 A: Yes. Minnesota's DWI laws apply everywhere - on land, on the water and on ice.

-3- 

Q: Is the speed listed on the yellow and black signs near curves enforceable?  
A: Sort of. Although traveling at a speed greater than those posted on said signs is not per se illegal, there is a provision in the statute that says that "[n]o person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions." as such - almost any speed, under the right (or better yet - wrong) conditions could be found to be illegal.

-4-

Q: Can I drive barefoot?
A: Yes, but it’s probably not a good idea in middle of winter.

-5-

Q: If I run a yellow light, will I get a ticket?
A: Maybe? You might get a ticket - but the conduct is NOT illegal.  As a matter of fact, as long as your front bumper is actually in the intersection when the light turns red, you've done nothing wrong.

-Bonus Question!-

Q: If I get a ticket, what should I do?
A: Don't just plead guilty. Remember, it is the government's job to prove - beyond a reasonable doubt - that what you've been alleged to have done is in fact illegal. Hold them to their duty.  Talk to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney today and learn you're rights. Them get the results you desire.