Shoplifting is a serious crime.  Being charged with misdemeanor shoplifting, no matter how small the amount may ruin lives.  Remember, employers, credit bureaus, landlords, and professional associations do not consider and are generally not interested in the value of the item that was stolen or whether it was your first offense. Potential employers, professional associations such teacher’s associations, nursing associations, security based jobs, and even the State of Minnesota may not be willling to hire you or permit you to obtain your professional license if you have a shoplifting conviction on your record. Lenders may not lend to you and landlords may not rent to you if you have a permanent shoplifting conviction.

All shoplifting offenses committed in Minnesota are punishable by jail time and may result in a permanent criminal record.  A permanent  shoplifting conviction, no matter how minor, may cause problems for you in the future.

Persons with a permanent shopliftring conviction may find it nearly impossible to obtain meaningful employment, keep a good job, apply for a good job, obtain credit, keep a professional license or obtain a professional license.

A plea of guilty resulting in a permanent criminal conviction for shoplifting, no matter how minor cannot be fully expunged. And trying to obtain an expungement after a plea of guilty resulting in permanent criminal conviction is very difficult and expensive.  So keeping a shoplifting conviction off your criminal record from the outset is a priority!

I have been charged with Shoplifting and I want to keep it off my Record.

What Should I do?

First, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who has a many years of courtroom experience.  Martin Azarian has been practicing criminal defense for over twenty-two years, seventeen years in Minnesota. The vast majority of his misdemeanor shoplifting clients have their misdemeanor theft cases dismissed or the charges reduced!  Most do not have to go to court.  Second, do not go to court alone, and do not think about pleading guilty to a crime without talking to an experienced attorney. Even if you are guilty there may be ways to keep this offense off your criminal record.

Going to court and trying to talk your way out of it may not help.  Anything you say in court may be used against you.  Trying to explain to the judge what makes you guilty or why you may be innocent is usually not helpful. The judge cannot help you; he cannot dismiss your case and cannot give you advice.  As a general rule, judges are only interested in two things: plead guilty or not guilty.  Also, in some cases,  the Clerk may  announce your name and your charge in open court-how embarrassing!

Here’s what you need to know:  Martin Azarian has twenty-two years of criminal defense experience.  The overwhelming number shop-lifting defendants represented by Martin Azarian  either have their cases dismissed or result in no permanent conviction.   In most cases you do not have to go to court, Martin S. Azarian will go to court for and fight for you!

The Consequences

Having any type of permanent theft conviction on your record may have a severe and life long negative impact on your future.  Many employers, landlords, credit bureaus, landlords, colleges, professional associations perform background checks and they will find your conviction.  No matter how minor the offense you may never be able to explain it away. Imagine you go to court alone, and plead guilty and avoid jail time.  Think you got a good deal? Imagine, five years in the future. You are at an interview for a great job  and your potential employer asks you about your shoplifting conviction. What are you going say…it was just ten dollars?  The interview may end maybe without a job. And guess what? This may happen to you at every job interview because employers use the same background checking companies and once you are in their data-base it will not come off.  Potential employers may think you are a thief and may not give you a meaningful job. That may mean years of lost income!

The key is to try to keep it off your record from the outset!

Shoplifting convictions may destroy lives. All it takes are two bad decisions, the first is to commit the crime, the second is to go to court alone or not retain an experienced attorney. Call Martin Azarian.  He may be able to have your misdemeanor theft matter dismissed or reduced.

Minnesota theft lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney;  Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen in Minnesota. When you retain him, you get his 22 years of courtroom experience. Period! What you need is aggressive representation that can achieve the best possible outcome for you. So call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

Fraud involving Theft by Swindle, credit cards and bad checks is the act of using these items in order to illegally obtain goods, services, or money. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and often can involve felony charges.

Credit Card fraud in Minnesota

Minnesota credit card fraud is a felony regardless of the amount charged.  Usually it occurs when a person uses another person’s credit card without permission or authority to do so.

Worthless Checks in Minnesota

Uttering or issuing a worthless check occurs when the maker, the defendant, knowing full well that there are not funds sufficient to make the check good, issues the check in order to obtain goods, services or something of  value.

Theft by Swindle

Theft by Swindle can take may forms.  Typically, theft by swindle occurs when a defendant presents a forged document, usually a check, to obtain money, credit or property.  The amount of the swindle determines the level of offense and the punishment.

The Penalties

The penalties for these offenses can be severe and the consequences may ruin your life.  Having a permanent criminal record for these offenses may prevent you from obtaining meaningful of employment, obtaining a professional license or keeping a professional license. Prison or jail time depend on the severity of the crime. Here is an idea of what can be expected in the case of credit card fraud and worthless checks in Minnesota:

• If the amount is more than $500, $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison is the penalty.
• For less than $500, but more than $250, the penalty is $3,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• For amounts less than $250, the penalty is $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Minnesota criminal defense lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with Theft by Swindle offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney;  Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

Fraud involving Theft by Swindle, credit cards and bad checks is the act of using these items in order to illegally obtain goods, services, or money. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and often can involve felony charges.

Credit Card fraud in Minnesota

Minnesota credit card fraud is a felony regardless of the amount charged.  Usually it occurs when a person uses another person’s credit card without permission or authority to do so. 

Worthless Checks in Minnesota

Uttering or issuing a worthless check occurs when the maker, the defendant, knowing full well that there are not funds sufficient to make the check good, issues the check in order to obtain goods, services or something of  value. 

Theft by Swindle

Theft by Swindle can take may forms.  Typically, theft by swindle occurs when a defendant presents a forged document, usually a check, to obtain money, credit or property.  The amount of the swindle determines the level of offense and the punishment.

The Penalties

The penalties for these offenses can be severe and the consequence can ruin your life.  Having a permanent criminal record for these offenses can prevent you from obtaining meaningful of employment, obtaining a professional license or keeping a professional license. Prison or jail time depend on the severity of the crime. Here is an idea of what can be expected in the case of credit card fraud and worthless checks in Minnesota:

• If the amount is more than $500, $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison is the penalty.
• For less than $500, but more than $250, the penalty is $3,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• For amounts less than $250, the penalty is $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Minnesota criminal defense lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with Theft by Swindle offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney;  Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen years in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

Fraud involving Theft by Swindle, credit cards and bad checks is the act of using these items in order to illegally obtain goods, services, or money. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and often can involve felony charges.

Credit Card fraud in Minnesota

 Minnesota credit card fraud is a felony regardless of the amount charged.  Usually it occurs when a person uses another person’s credit card without permission or authority to do so. 

 Worthless Checks in Minnesota

 Uttering or issuing a worthless check occurs when the maker, the defendant, knowing full well that there are not funds sufficient to make the check good, issues the check in order to obtain goods, services or something of  value. 

Theft by Swindle

 Theft by Swindle can take may forms.  Typically, theft by swindle occurs when a defendant presents a forged document, usually a check, to obtain money, credit or property.  The amount of the swindle determines the level of offense and the punishment.

 The Penalties

 The penalties for these offenses can be severe and the consequence can ruin your life.  Having a permanent criminal record for these offenses can prevent you from obtaining meaningful of employment, obtaining a professional license or keeping a professional license. Prison or jail time depend on the severity of the crime. Here is an idea of what can be expected in the case of credit card fraud and worthless checks in Minnesota:

• If the amount is more than $500, $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison is the penalty.
• For less than $500, but more than $250, the penalty is $3,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• For amounts less than $250, the penalty is $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Minnesota criminal defense lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with Theft by Swindle offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney;  Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen years in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

What is Credit Card Fraud?

You can be accused of credit card fraud for any of the following offenses.

·            If you have used fraudulent means to obtain or use another person’s credit card information. This is considered credit card theft.

·            If you have used another person’s credit card information to purchase something.

·            If you use another person’s information to open a credit card account. This can be considered identity theft.

·            If you sign for a credit card that is not yours. This can be considered forgery.

·            If you use your own credit card to purchase an item with the knowledge that the credit card is invalid, expired or linked to a closed or inactive account, or an account with insufficient funds.

·            If you sell goods or services to someone with the knowledge that the person using the credit card is not the real owner of the card. Although it may seem like you have done nothing wrong, keeping quiet and allowing the theft to take place is a crime in itself.

Contact MN Credit Card Theft Attorney Martin S. Azarian Today

When charged with theft related crime such as credit card fraud, worthless checks or theft by swindle you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call Martin S. Azarian.  He  has over 22 years experience defending persons charged with credit card, worthless checks  and theft by swindle,  seventeen in Minnesota. The overwhelming majority of his clients who have been charged with theft related offenses do not end with a permanent criminal record, have the charges dismissed or reduced and never go to jail or prison.   Call Martin S. Azarian, P.A. for a free telephone consultation. Call at 952-975-0663.

Welfare fraud comes in many forms. The most common type of welfare fraud is to omit information about your financial situation to the Department of Employment and Social Services. You could omit information regarding income, children or possession of properties and other items of value. Welfare fraud can also occur if you pretend to be someone else in order to receive benefits or if you continue to receive benefits that you know you are not entitled to.  Furthermore, welfare fraud occurs when you pretend to be injured or ill in order to abuse the system.

How Can a Welfare Conviction Affect My Life?

As with all theft related offenses, a permanent welfare fraud conviction may negatively affect you for the rest of your life.  It may make it difficult for you to obtain employement, obtain credit, or rent from landlords.  You may be required to pay back the money, plus pay interest and penalties.   A welfare fraud conviction in Minnesota may also lead to both jail time, prison time and and  fines depending on whether you are charged with a felony, a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor.

What Should I Do if Accused of Welfare Fraud? MN Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you love has been accused of welfare fraud, the most important thing to do is contact a professional Minnesota fraud lawyer immediately. The quicker you make the call, the quicker my law office will get to work handling your case. The more evidence that is gathered, the better your defense strategy may be.

Martin S. Azarian has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen years in Minnesota.  The overwhelming number  of his clients charged with theft related offenses do not go to jail or prison and have their charges either reduced or dismissed.  The Law Office of Martin S. Azarian, P.A. can provide you with trusted and aggressive representation.  Give Martin S. Azarian, P.A. a call today at 952-975-0663 for a free initial telephone consultation.

Fraud involving Theft by Swindle, credit cards and bad checks is the act of using these items in order to illegally obtain goods, services, or money. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and often can involve felony charges.

Credit Card fraud in Minnesota

Minnesota credit card fraud is a felony regardless of the amount charged.  Usually it occurs when a person uses another person’s credit card without permission or authority to do so.

Worthless Checks in Minnesota

Uttering or issuing a worthless check occurs when the maker, the defendant, knowing full well that there are not funds sufficient to make the check good, issues the check in order to obtain goods, services or something of  value.

Theft by Swindle

Theft by Swindle can take may forms.  Typically, theft by swindle occurs when a defendant presents a forged document, usually a check, to obtain money, credit or property.  The amount of the swindle determines the level of offense and the punishment.

The Penalties

The penalties for these offenses may be severe and the consequence may negatively impact your life.  Having a permanent criminal record for these offenses may prevent you from obtaining meaningful of employment, obtaining a professional license or keeping a professional license. Prison or jail time depend on the severity of the crime. Here is an idea of what can be expected in the case of credit card fraud and worthless checks in Minnesota:

• If the amount is more than $500, $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison is the penalty.
• For less than $500, but more than $250, the penalty is $3,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• For amounts less than $250, the penalty is $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Minnesota criminal defense lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with Theft by Swindle offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney;  Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian, P.A. brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

Credit Card Fraud Minnesota Law and Penalties

In the state of Minnesota, credit card fraud charges are based on the dollar amount that was involved in the theft. If the amount was for under $250, then you could be convicted with a misdemeanor; if the amount is between $250 and $500, you could be charged with a gross misdemeanor; anything about $500 and you could be facing a felony on your permanent record. Keep in mind that it is not only felonies that come with serious penalties. If you are convicted of a gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor, you could also face jail time and severe fines.

Persons convicted of credit card fraud are often face additional consequences.  Often they may be denied credit, good jobs, are prevented from joining or remaining in professional associates such a teacher or nursing associations.  Persons having a professional license may lose their professional license if they have a permanent criminal conviction for credit card fraud, or any other type of fraud or theft related conviction. Credit card bureaus, landlords and potential employers may not recommend extending credit, renting to persons convicted of these offenses or may not employ such persons.

If you are being investigated for credit card fraud or if you have been charged with credit card fraud it is important not to speak with anyone about this offense  except an experienced attorney.  Anything you say to the police or investigators, or to any one other than an attorney may be used against you.  Instead call Martin S. Azarian, P.A. immedaitely at 952-451-4987.

How a Credit Card Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Contact the Law Offices of Martin S. Azarian, P.A. at 952-975-0663.  Martin S. Azarian has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen in Minnesota.  The overwhelming majority of his clients charged with theft related offenses avoid a permanent criminal conviction, do not go to jail or prison and many have their charges dismissed or reduced.  Call Martin S. Azarian, P.A  at 952-975-0663 for a free initial telephone consultation.

Many people mistakenly believe that issuing a dishored check is not a crime, when in reality it is a very serious crime.  Here are the facts about issuing a dishonored check:

If you issue a check that you know, or should have known would be dishonored you will charged with a crime.  A bank dishonors a check when you have written a check without having fund sufficient to make the check good, written a check on a closed account or written a check on a non-existent account.  Many people who have their checks dishonored mistakenly believe that the Court or the prosecutor will dismiss this type of a charge after hearing some type of explaination along the lines that this was some type of accident. However, many prosecutors  will dismiss your case.  That is because the prosecutor  knew you had ample time to make the check good and you did not do so.   Issuance of dishonored checks is considered a fraud charge and a theft related offense. Such an offense could result in fines, jail time and other penalties, including a permanent criminal conviction on your record.

In Minnesota, for issuing a bad check you could face a felony charge up to $10,000 and five years in prison if the value of the check(s) is for more than $500. You could also be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in prison and $3,000 in fines if the value of the check(s) is less than $500.

Pleading Guilty to the Issuance of Dishonored Check- Do not do it!

Theft crimes in Minnesota are serious offenses. All Theft crimes, including Issuance of a Dishonored Check committed in Minnesota are punishable by jail time.  Pleading guilty to a theft related offense may result in a permanent criminal record.  A theft conviction, no matter how minor, can and may have negative consequences for you. 

Defendants convicted of Issuance of Dishonored Check may find it difficult to obtain meaningful employment, keep a good job, apply for a good job, obtain credit, keep a professional license or obtain a professional license.  A plea of guilty resulting in a permanent criminal conviction for issuance of dishonored check, no matter how minor cannot be fully expunged. And trying to obtain an expungement after a plea of guilty resulting in permanent criminal conviction is very difficult and expensive.  So you need make keeping a this type off conviction off  your criminal record priority!

I have been charged with Issuance of a Dishonored Check and I want to keep it off my Record.  What Should I do?

First, Call Martin Azarian, P.A..  Martin Azarian has twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen years in Minnesota.  The vast majority of his clients charged with this type of offesne have their cases dismissed, charges reduced and do not go to jail or prison.

Second, do not even think about going to court alone!  And do not even think about pleading guilty, even if you are guilty there may ways to keep this offense off your criminal record.  Here’s what you should do: Call Martin S. Azarian, P.A.  Martin S. Azarian has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen years in Minnesota. Many of his clients avoid a permanent criminal conviction, jail time or prison time. Let Martin S. Azarian go to court for you and fight for you!

The Consequences

Any type of permanent theft conviction on your record mayl have major negative consequences.  Employers, landlords, credit bureaus, landlords, colleges, professional schools do background checks and they will find your conviction.  The State of Minnesota mayl not hire you.  Employers in the banking, security industry, or other industry or profession where trust is crucial may not employ you.  No matter how minor the offense you may not be able to explain it away. Suppose you go to court alone, and plead guilty and avoid jail time.  Think you did a good job representing yourself?  Fast-forward five years and you are interviewing for your dream job and your potential employer asks you about your theft conviction. What are you going say…it was just ten dollars?  The interview may end with maybe without the job. What is worse, this may happen to you at every job interview because employers use the same background checking companies and these companies share will share your record.  The most important thing to remember is to keep this offense of your criminal record.

Theft related convictions sometimes negatively impact a person’s life.  All it takes is to make two bad choices. The first is to commit the offense, second, not hiring an experience criminal defense attorney like Martin S. Azarian, P.A.

Minnesota employee theft lawyers & attorneys

If you have been charged with a theft related offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney; Martin S. Azarian. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen years in Minnesota.   So call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.

A Better Alternative – Minnesota Worthless Check Defense Attorney

This is why it’s so important that you get the help you deserve. When it comes to worthless check conviction in Minnesota, look for a fraud lawyer that has the courtroom experience present your defense. 

Choosing the Best Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney for Issuance of Dishonored Checks

For a free initial telephone consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis, call the Law Offices of Martin S. Azarian, P.A. today at 952-975-0663.

Although there is no legal definition for a white collar crime, typically white collar crimes involve non-violent fraud or theft crimes.  White collar crimes can occur in just about any workplace environment and usually occurs when someone in the position of trust commits a theft or fraud related offense. Banks often come to mind, but white collar theft can happen in any office environment where a theft related offense has occured.

White Collar Crimes

Typical white collar crimes include fraud, computer fraud, check fraud, credit card fraud, embezzlement, tax fraud, banking fraud or identity theft. 

•  Embezzlement – taking money or property for personal usage after a person or company has entrusted you with this money or property.
• Larceny/Theft – wrongfully taking another person’s money or property. This encompasses several crimes other than those in the ‘white collar’ category including shoplifting. 
• Money laundering – investing your money that was acquired through illegal measures so that the money is untraceable

Minnesota White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you have been arrested, charged or are being investigated for a white collar-theft related offense you need to do the following:

First, do not speak to the police or anyone about the charges.  Do not volunteer any information to your employer or co-workers.  Do not speak to anyone other than an experienced criminal defense attorney.  Remember, anything you say to may be used against you.  

Call teh Law Office of Martin Azarian, P.A. at 952-451-4987. 

White Collar Crimes Lawyer, Minneapolis

Call the Law Office of Martin S. Azarian, P.A.  immediately.  Martin Azarian has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen years in Minnesota. Not only is Martin S. Azarain experienced in all forms of white collar crimes, but he is aggressive and professional. He has over twenty-two years of courtroom experience.  For a free consultation, call Martin S. Azarian, P.A. at 952-975-0663 or 952-451-4987.

Although there is no legal definition for a white collar crime, typically white collar crimes involve non-violent fraud or theft crimes.  White collar crimes can occur in just about any workplace environment and usually occurs when someone in the position of trust commits a theft or fraud related offense. Banks often come to mind, but white collar theft can happen in any office environment where a theft related offense has occured.

White Collar Crimes

Typical white collar crimes include fraud, computer fraud, check fraud, credit card fraud, embezzlement, tax fraud, banking fraud or identity theft. 

•  Embezzlement – taking money or property for personal usage after a person or company has entrusted you with this money or property.
• Larceny/Theft – wrongfully taking another person’s money or property. This encompasses several crimes other than those in the ‘white collar’ category including shoplifting. 
• Money laundering – investing your money that was acquired through illegal measures so that the money is untraceable

Minnesota White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you have been arrested, charged or are being investigated for a white collar-theft related offense you need to do the following:

First, do not speak to the police or anyone about the charges.  Do not volunteer any information to your employer or co-workers.  Do not speak to anyone other than an experienced criminal defense attorney.  Remember, anything you say to may be used against you.  

Call Martin Azarian at 952-451-4987. 

White Collar Crimes Lawyer, Minneapolis

Call the Law Office of Martin S. Azarian, P.A.  immediately.  Martin S. Azarian has over twenty-two years of criminal defense experience, seventeen year in Minnesota. Not only is Martin S. Azarain experienced in all forms of white collar crimes, but he is aggressive and professional. He has over twenty-two years of courtroom experience.  For a free consultation, call Martin S. Azarian, P.A. at 952-975-0663 or 952-451-4987.