Attorney Matt Knauss provides three tips to help mitigate the consequences of a shoplifting arrest in Washington and how it could impact your job prospects. He underlines the importance of early legal consultation, addressing civil demands appropriately, and taking measures to keep your record clean. Here's a summary of his tips:
- Hire an Attorney: Matt advises hiring an attorney immediately after an arrest for shoplifting. An attorney's early intervention and preparation can lead to the case being resolved in a single court hearing.
- Address Civil Demands: Stores are legally allowed to issue a 'civil demand,' akin to a fine, after a shoplifting incident. Matt suggests not paying this directly but forwarding it to your attorney, who can negotiate a settlement. Sometimes, this payment might be leveraged to get the criminal case dismissed.
- Safeguard Your Reputation: Matt explains that while the maximum penalty for misdemeanor theft is 364 days in jail, it's rare for first-time offenders to serve jail time. The real issue lies in how a theft conviction can impact your reputation and job prospects. A clean record is crucial when employers run background checks, making it imperative to take all measures possible to avoid a theft conviction.
Matt assures that his firm has had over a decade of success in helping clients protect their freedom and reputation following a shoplifting arrest. He encourages viewers to contact his firm for a complimentary case evaluation.