Call Today

Call Today

Apr 15, 2016

Theft By Swindle Charges For Former Mrs. America

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 Criminal Defense Attorneys 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

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active

Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Aug: 30, 2024

Do Juvenile Crimes Impact College Admissions?

Students with juvenile convictions in their records and intending to apply for college may wonder, “Do juvenile crimes impact college admissions?” A juvenile crime in Minnesota can lower the odds of your child’s college application getting approved. A conviction of a serious juvenile crime may result in an automatic rejection of college applications. A minor with a criminal record may be disqualified from accessing student loans or grants.

Aug: 30, 2024

What Is the Post-Conviction Process, and How Long Does It Take?

Defendants convicted of a crime may ask, “What is the post-conviction process, and how long does it take?” A petition for post-conviction relief allows you to contest the legality of a criminal conviction or sentence following an unsuccessful direct appeal process or passing the appeal deadline. This petition involves legal issues not addressed at trial or direct appeal. These issues include a constitutional rights violation, newly discovered evidence, and inadequate or ineffective lawyer representation.

Aug: 30, 2024

How Long Does the Sentencing Phase Take?

Knowing how long the sentencing phase takes in Minneapolis, MN, can help you ease worries and work towards receiving a fair sentence. The sentencing phase of the criminal justice process usually takes only minutes, especially when the judge approves the sentence negotiated in a plea bargain. Sentencing can sometimes be lengthy, particularly when you get convicted at trial, and the judge schedules a hearing to a later date to decide on appropriate legal penalties. The nature and seriousness of the criminal conviction, whether your sentence is negotiated or determined by a judge, and continuance motions are some factors that may affect the length of the sentencing phase.