If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Germantown, TN, you’re probably concerned about how this charge can affect your life. Having it on your record could cause you to lose your job and make it difficult to find another. The prospect of going to jail can be terrifying, and in addition these charges carry possible fines, court fees, and a permanent conviction.
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Despite these penalties, a Germantown shoplifting charge can be successfully defended, and even removed from your record. In order for that to happen, though, you will have to do a few things.
You’ll need to go to booking and processing at the police station to get fingerprinted. This is not a court date, nor is it for you to be arrested. Since you were given a citation for the offense and not actually taken to jail, the police need to get certain information from you so the court can create a file for your case. You’ll be fingerprinted and photographed, and must give them some basic info like your name and address.
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Next you need to go to court on your assigned date with your lawyer. On that date, or possibly beforehand depending on the case, your lawyer will negotiate with the city of Germantown prosecutor to reach a favorable result. It may require probation, since this charge is punishable up to 11 months and 29 days in Tennessee. But some Germantown shoplifting cases can be worked out by paying restitution, court costs, or attending a theft class (maybe all three). Again, it just depends on the case.
Assuming there is a dismissal, your lawyer can then petition the judge to have the charge expunged from your record. This completely wipes it off, and authorizes the court to destroy all public records of the case.
For help with your case, contact Memphis shoplifting lawyer Patrick Stegall. Mr. Stegall has handled numerous theft cases throughout Shelby County, and specializes in assisting first-time offenders through the legal system. Please contact him at 901-205-9894 or pstegall@stegall-law.com.
