Jennifer Kline, former Mrs. America was charged with theft my swindle in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The County attorney’s office state that she bought $5,790 on clothing on two separate days in November from Macy’s in Edina. She then went to the Macy’s at the Mall of America and returned items totaling $5,501. The complaint says that the police were notified and told that Kline switched tags and labels on the clothing she returned and the items were worn and visibly dirty. It is unknown where the clothes that she returned came from. Her home was later seized and police found 24 items that were bought from the Macy’s in Edina which she supposedly returned. Macy’s had refunded her American Express and gift card before they realized her returns were fraudulent. She is now facing one count of theft by swindle, which is a felony in Minnesota. The Maximum sentence for theft by swindle in Minnesota in 10 years of prison and/or $20,000. She had her first court appearance and was summoned to the court on April 12, 2016. Her omnibus hearing is currently scheduled on May 9, 2016. Kline will need an experienced felony defense lawyer to help fight the serious charges against her.
The Minnesota Theft By swindle statute states that: “by swindling, whether by artifice, trick, device, or any other means, obtains property or services from another person” commits theft. It may be possible to get your sentence stayed which means that if you successfully complete probation, you will not be sent to prison. It is also may be possible to get a stay of adjudication which means that your charge will be dismissed upon completion of successful probation. However, if you violate probation, your sentence at that point will be executed. Do not be so quick to plead guilty to a felony and think about all the collateral consequences that accompanies a conviction. Hire an experienced Minnesota Felony Criminal Defense Attorney to try to keep a felony off your record and to avoid a prison sentence. Keller Law Offices offers a free consultation and has been successful in getting felonies dismissed. Call (952) 913-1421 as soon possible if you have been charged with a felony in Minnesota. Please visit the firm’s website at www.kellerlawoffices.com