My advice would be to hire an attorney to defend your freedom and reputation when charged with a misdemeanor theft crime. Even though the dollar amount of the theft may be low, the negative consequences resulting from a conviction are high. A prospective employer or landlord can easily conduct a criminal history background check and discover your theft conviction. A theft conviction found on your record could cost you your job and limit your housing choices. When you represent yourself in court, you have no bargaining power with the prosecutor and may face jail time. With a lawyer, you have a better chance of keeping a conviction off your record and staying out of jail. An experienced theft defense attorney will recommend that you complete a theft offender treatment program and pay any restitution owing to the victim prior to your first court appearance. Hiring an attorney is your best defense against a theft charge.

If you or someone you know has been charged with theft crime, call attorney Robert J. Shane for a free phone consultation at (612) 339-1024 or visit his website for more information at www.criminallawyerminnesota.com.