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Video: Shoplifting Charges in Dedham District Court | Dedham & Westwood MA Shoplifting Lawyer
April 01, 2026
Shoplifting Charges in Dedham District Court: What to Expect
Attorney Tracy Paulsen explains what to expect after a shoplifting charge in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts, including clerk magistrate hearings, probable cause, and how an experienced attorney may help protect your record, employment, and education.
Transcript
Attorney Tracy Paulsen of Rightful Legal is here at Dedham District Court. I was representing a client today who was charged with shoplifting at Whole Foods in Dedham.
Common Shoplifting Cases
I also represent many clients here who may have been charged with shoplifting at Target in Westwood. Both Westwood and Dedham report to Dedham District Court.
The Court Process for Shoplifting Charges
Importantly, I wanted to let you know that if you have been charged with shoplifting, if you hire an experienced attorney, this is something that you can overcome that may not haunt you for years to come and affect your employment, going back for education, and so forth.
First-Time Offenses and Clerk Magistrate Hearings
Typically, what happens if you do not have a record of prior charges is you will receive what is called a notice for a clerk magistrate hearing.
A clerk magistrate hearing is a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause in order to issue a criminal complaint. In most cases, there is probable cause because this is a very low standard.
What Happens at the Hearing
The clerk hearing is an opportunity to present your story, present your character, and explain why having a criminal complaint issued against you would pose a significant hardship that could follow you for the rest of your life, affecting your employment, your education, your ability to volunteer with your children, and take part in daily life.
Why Preventing a Criminal Record Matters
This is something that is really important. We want to prevent this because you do deserve a chance to put this behind you.
Contact Attorney Tracy Paulsen for Shoplifting Charges
If you have been charged with shoplifting, you can reach me at 617-821-5856.
I am always available for a free consultation to give you my opinion, and I have a lot of experience in this court helping people resolve these successfully.
So, this charge essentially may go away. Again, Attorney Tracy Paulsen with Rightful Legal, I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.
