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nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 06:54 AM

Got caught stealing at target with $18.00 worth of merchandise. The police were called. They gave me a citation. I can pay the fine or go to court on the date shown on the citation. My question is if I pay the fine will this be on my record? Or is it like a parking ticket?

JudyKayTee · Apr 23, 2013, 07:25 AM

No, it's not like a parking ticket with is a non-criminal offense.

It's a crime - stealing, perhaps in other words.

nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 07:42 AM

So if I pay the citation it will show up on my record?

JudyKayTee · Apr 23, 2013, 08:21 AM

Most probably, yes.

nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 10:02 AM

Do you know if this would be a petty misdemeanor in Mn?? And if so, what my maximum fine would be?

JudyKayTee · Apr 23, 2013, 10:39 AM

I think if you express how sorry and regretful you are, no previous record, a very bad lapse in judgment, you have a very good chance of having it reduced to something else... and walking away without a record.

You have to be sorry for the stealing, though, not for getting caught.

nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 11:18 AM

So you think I should show up on my court date and plea guilty with an apology rather than just paying the fine?

nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 11:18 AM

I do have a previous record but not theft

nelliesummer70 · Apr 23, 2013, 11:20 AM

I've heard it would be very expensive to go to court because I would have to pay many more fees