Identity theft sounds like something that can only happen on the movies but, in reality, this crime occurs more often than you may realize. With the widespread use of the internet and the trusting nature of our society and our financial institutes, everyone is not only at risk for identity theft, but also at risk for being accused of this crime.

Charges of Identity Theft

If you have been charged with identity theft, the most common punishments include prison time and/or severe fines. This will vary in severity from $1000 fine and one year in prison to $10,000 in fines and five years in a state prison.  Additional charges that could occur from identity theft include court-ordered counseling, community service and probation. If you are convicted of identity theft, then your crime will depend on a number of factors including your criminal history, the monetary value of the stolen goods and your legal representation.

Complications of Identity Theft

In addition to this, if you are charged with Minnesota identity theft, then this little black mark will go on your personal record, affecting many aspects of your life. In some instances, you may not be able to travel overseas or apply for a mortgage. Many credit report companies do not look too kindly to those convicted with identity theft. Because of this, it is important that you get the legal representation you deserve and need during this difficult accusation.

Furthermore, if you have been accused of identity theft, such as credit card theft, over the internet, then you may be charged in federal court. After all, the internet spans across the world and thus your crime may not simply be held punishable in the state of Minnesota, but in the nation of the United States. If this is the case, then you face even stricter punishments if you are found guilty.

Contacting An Identity Theft Lawyer In Minnesota

Being arrested for any criminal activity is beyond scary. Your face may feel as though it is on fire; your stomach will drop down to your feet; and your entire body temperature will rise a few degrees. So how can you keep your cool when the heat is on?

First of all, keep quiet and calm. Let the arrest occur and walk away with your head held high. Do not demand the police listen to your story; in fact, do not say anything at all. If the accusation is a case of a simple misunderstanding, it is still smart to keep quiet and tell your story to an experienced MN identity theft lawyer instead of risking your statement be used against you in the court. As soon as you get the chance, contact Samson Law for legal representation at 612-333-8001.

Judith Samson has over 10 years experience both in and out of the courts and understands the implications and legal procedures of identity theft cases in Minnesota. With Samson Law, you will receive aggressive representation, friendly service and personal confidence that you are receiving the best legal support possible.

Credit card theft is one of the most common types of theft in the 21^st century. Why? For one, with the rise of the internet, more and more people are using their credit cards online to purchase everyday items. This means their information is more at risk than 50 years earlier. Furthermore, credit cards are constantly competing for your business and thus many credit cards offer large limits and cash back terms that allow thieves to get away with stealing a large sum of money. And, finally, when it comes to using a stolen credit card in stores, many employees will forget to take notice of the signature or ask for ID when using a credit card. What this means is that it is easier than ever for credit card theft to occur.

However, what this also means is that the United States, including the state of Minnesota, is cracking down on credit card and other identity theft by establishing even more stringent punishments for those charged and convicted of credit card theft.

Credit Card Theft Concerns

So what is credit card theft? Many people who are arrested of credit card theft do not even realize that what they have done is against the law. Essentially, if you have committed the following acts, then you could be accused of credit card theft, regardless of the monetary value involved in the case:

• If you have obtained, signed, used or forged someone else’s credit or debit card information, even if this person is a friend or relative
• If you have taken someone else’s credit card or debit card without him knowing
• If you have used your own credit card knowing that it expired or that the funds in the account are insufficient
• If you have used your own credit card knowing that it is connected to an overdrawn or inactive account.
• If you have used a credit card knowing that the card was stolen
• If you have been involved in stealing or producing illegal credit cards
• If you use someone else credit card or debit card information to buy goods online

Credit Card Theft Consequences

Credit card theft can either be considered a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount of stolen goods in question. You may be faced with severe penalties including large fines and jail time if you are found guilty of credit card theft in Minnesota.

Of course, there are emotional consequences to your actions as well. You may be faced with years of shame for your actions. You may have trouble supporting your family, especially if you are facing jail time. You may be plagued with guilt, with embarrassment or with anger. You may notice your friends are changed their attitude and that it is harder than ever to maintain a stable job.

Minnesota Theft Defense Lawyer and Advice

Theft, credit card or otherwise, is no joking matter which is why you need to contact a Twin Cities theft defense lawyer as soon as you have been accused of credit card theft. Contact Samson Law at 612-333-8001 to discuss your legal case and understand your options for the best possible outcome.

More and more juveniles are being tried for cases involving theft. Although the reasons for this are unknown, it would appear that teenagers are more likely than other age groups to be caught shoplifting and committing other petty crimes. This could simply be because they do not have the income to support their shopping habits or it simply could be because they are giving into peer pressure or rebelling against their parents and society. Whatever the case, being arrested for a juvenile theft crime in Minnesota can not only come with devastating consequences for the juvenile in question, but also for the entire family.

Theft Crime Support for Parents

If your son or daughter has been accused of a theft crime in Minnesota, it’s important to understand two things:

First and foremost, understand that you are not alone and that this is not your fault. Although it may seem like everyone is watching you and judging you on this situation, you need to remember that we all make mistakes. You also need to be as supportive as possible to your son or daughter during this trying time. Take one day at a time and make sure you work together, as a family, to overcome the obstacles. The supportive parent is the most important role you can play right now. Leave the rest to an experienced Minnesota theft crime lawyer.

Secondly, you will need excellent representation for your teenager. It is not the responsibility of the parent or the child when it comes to the legal implications of theft crime. So, instead of stressing about how to handle what has happened, leave it to the experts.

Support for Accused Juveniles

If you have been accused of a theft crime, whether this is something as petty as stealing a chocolate bar from a store to stealing money out of the till at work, you need to remain calm. Unfortunately your age may not be enough to say you and in many instances, juveniles are still charged and convicted for theft, even petty theft. You may get a warning but you may not.  Even first offense cases are punishable by a small fine and one year of probation for juveniles. Furthermore, you will have this crime on your criminal record forever, haunting you later in life when you apply for college, need a car loan, or want to purchase a house. With the right defense you may be able to walk away without a fine or a charge which means you are free to live your life as if nothing ever happened.

So what is your best defense?

Minnesota Theft Crime Lawyer

The most important thing you can do is contact a criminal defense lawyer. Judith Samson will work on your behalf, assess your case, provide confident and friendly assistance and support and work towards the best outcome possible. Contact me today 612-333-8001 to see how Samson Law can help you out during this trying time.

Many people are surprised to learn about the statistics surrounding theft crimes in Minnesota. Although theft and larceny have a number of different criminal activities under the umbrella, some of the most common types of theft include shoplifting, employee theft and auto theft.

Did you know?

• In 2008, there were over 112,000 cases of larceny and theft in Minnesota. This is an increase of over 400% from 1960.
• The most common property crime in America is shoplifting with 1 in every 11^th person admitting to shoplifting at some point or another
• Employee theft is also a very serious theft crime in Minnesota that increased by 15% each year.
• Nearly one third of all employees have committed a degree of employee theft before.
• Shoplifters steal over $20 billion worth of goods from retailers each year while employee theft accounts for $40 billion of losses each year.
• There were over 10,000 cases of vehicle theft in Minnesota in 2008.

The Reactions to Theft Crimes in Minnesota

Because of the rise of theft across the United States, more and more businesses and individuals are doing what is necessary and protecting their property from theft. You may notice more stores with security guards at the doors and more video cameras installed. You may also notice more people including anti theft devices and alarm systems on their cars. Corporations and large businesses are hiring internal security staff and establishing departments for internal affairs to monitor their employees in case of any suspicious activity. While the crime rate for Minnesota theft have actually gone down, as a whole, in recent years, this Big Brother attitude has also increased the number of theft crime arrests in Minnesota.

Handling a Theft Crime Arrest

Being arrested for a theft crime can be one of the most daunting things in the world. You may feel sick to your stomach; you may feel violated and angry; you may feel ashamed or scared. Many people who are arrested with kick and scream while others will break down and cry, regardless of whether they have actually committed the theft crime or not. But what is the right reaction to a theft crime arrest? What should you do?

Essentially, there are three ways you should handle a theft arrest in Minnesota. First of all, try to remain as calm as possible. Yes, being arrested is embarrassing and awkward and aggravating but the more wound up you get, the worse off you are going to look to the courts.

Second of all, keep quiet. Do not admit to anything; do not try to explain your side of the story; and do not scream about the injustice. You will have a chance to tell the truth but, if you are arrested or accused of a theft crime, you need to keep quiet until the time is right.

St. Paul Theft Criminal Lawyer

Finally, and most importantly, contact a St. Paul theft crime lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to assess your case, interview key witnesses gather important evidence and support you along the way.

Contact Judith Samson today at 612-333-8001 24 hours 7 days a week for a consultation with an experienced, aggressive and professional theft lawyer.