Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting with a "Tool"?

[tarynitup]

Recently i was caught shoplifting from a retail store in Minnesota. I am 19, and it was a pair of jeans worth $49, and this is my first offense. I really had no intention of stealing anything when i was trying stuff on, but the one pair of jeans i wanted was more than i could afford, so i made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I was called to a back room, they took pictures of me and the jeans. In my purse i had found a cuticle trimmer and removed the ink tag with that, which opened, and i got a little on my hands, they also took pictures of this.
i was wondering if this is considered a tool or a weapon?
the police were called, i was given a court date. im just curious, where should i go from here? Should i get in touch with a public defender?
and also, what am i looking at for a punishment??

 

[Guest]

Yes you need a Lawyer! Because a tool was involved you could be charged with a felony.

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

Since you had a tool, it is assumed you went in wiht the intent to steal, so you will probably be charged with a felony.

 

[thelawjournal]

The punishment will depend on the charge. What does your citation say is charge?

 

[tarynitup]

well it is a nail care utinsle, and something i regularly keep in my purse. i definetly did not go there with the intention to steal. is there anyway to prove that?
The only thing it says on my citation is "theft". Good or bad?

my court date isnt for another 2 months, but im trying to be as prepared as i can.

 

[thelawjournal]

Fact was you used it! That alone can take this to felony levels. Theft can mean many things and can change in court if DA decides. You need to talk to a Lawyer and not discuss this matter with store or Police until you have. The DA could hold the felony charge over you while discussing a plea deal.

 

[tarynitup]

really? honestly, how likely do you think the possibility of me being charged with a felony is? ?!
i am in some deep trouble here..

 

[Guest]

well it is a nail care utinsle, and something i regularly keep in my purse. i definetly did not go there with the intention to steal. is there anyway to prove that?
The only thing it says on my citation is "theft". Good or bad?

my court date isnt for another 2 months, but im trying to be as prepared as i can.

If you want to be prepared then start calling Lawyers and set up meetings. Many offer free consultations get as many as you can. Ask all your questions of these Lawyers. Arm yourself with knowledge! Whatever you don't understand you can comeback here and ask us. Remember these Lawyers are not going to give you your total defense plans and they want you to hire them. They should however give you the needed info you desire

 

[Guest]

really? honestly, how likely do you think the possibility of me being charged with a felony is? ?!
i am in some deep trouble here..

We cant say how likely that is. We can only say its possible. Based on your version of events DA doesnt have much of a felony case but could use it as bargainning chip with discussing plea deals with you.

 

[tarynitup]

ive never been to any sort of court or trial before.. am i going to get an oppourtunity to plead my case and tell the judge my side of the story on the cuticle clipper, or not?

 

[Guest]

If you go to trial yes. However taking your case to trial will likely get you a stiffer sentence. Its likely DA will offer you a deal for a guilty or no contest plea. That deal probably wont include a felony charge. As said its a tool the DA can use while discussing plea options with you. Keep in mind the DA may not even use this card as nail cutters are commonly carried and not common tools for theft. The possibility is there yes but at most I will guess it will be used as bargainning chip if even that.