As previously blogged on, Jennifer Kline was charged with felony theft by swindle in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Kline was found guilty and was convicted by a jury of felony theft by swindle. The case has gained national attention. Formerly, Kline was Mrs. Minnesota and also Mrs. America. She was caught buying clothes from Macy’s and then took the clothes home and attached different price tags to clothes she already owned. She then returned the clothes to a different Macy’s and got a refund. She went to Macy’s in Edina and then to the Mall of America location. She admitted to having the equipment to attach the new price tags to her old clothing. The total spent on clothing was approximately $5,800. Many of the items were dirty and damaged. Kline’s sentencing is on October 18, 2017.
Penalties for Theft By Swindle
The penalties for theft by swindle depend on the value of the property or services taken. If the amount is more than $35,000, the punishment is up to 20 years in jaild and or $100,000 fine. If the amount is more than $5000 but less than $35,000, the punishment is up to 10 years in jail and up to a $20,000 fine. When the fine is between $1000 and $5,000 the punishment could be up to five years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Theft by Swindle means that the person had the intent to swindle or cheat another and that measures were taken to defraud or cheat someone out of property, money, or an instrument by means of a false pretense to the benefit of the defendant. There can be many different scenarios where someone can be charged with theft by swindle such as writing a bad check. Keller Law Offices has handled many theft by swindle cases involving healthcare companies billing the Department of Human Services for services not actually rendered by nurses. Keller Law Offices has also handled other theft by swindle cases involving writing bad checks and swindling family members out of money from a trust and family estate. For more information on the definition and possible penalties for theft by swindle cases, contact Keller Law Offices.
Max Keller is a criminal defense lawyer in Hennepin County, Minnesota. A criminal defense lawyer will need to analyze the evidence and come up with a strategy on how to defend you. In theft by swindle cases, the main defense would be challenging whether the defendant had the necessary intent to commit theft by swindle. Call 952-913-1421 today if you have been charged with a crime and if you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Max Keller has handled many cases in Minnesota and is an experienced Hennepin county defense lawyer. Keller Law Officers offers free consultations and offers payment plans in most cases. Max Keller is experienced in dealing with theft by swindle cases. The Hennepin county defense attorneys at Keller Law Offices are available 24/7 and will dedicate as much time that is needed to zealously defend you. Please visit the firm’s website at www.kellerlawoffices.com.