Could I go to Jail for Shoplifting in Minnesota?

It may seem harmless or maybe just a prank. Maybe at the time, .you might even have taught that if you get caught, you apologize and they tell you to never do it again and walk away. Problem solved, right? Sadly, there may never be anything further from the truth. If you are facing theft related charged for shoplifting here in Minnesota, you need to understand that this is a crime and you easily could be charged. Worse, this is the kind of crime that could stick with you forever. Its important that you sit down with an experienced Minnesota Shoplifting Defense Attorney to discuss your case. At Jack Rice Defense, we won’t judge you. We will fight for you.

“The problem with shoplifting charges is that many may see this a character question and doubt your trustworthiness. Contemplate what area of life this doesn’t impact.”

Are There Different Levels of Theft, even for First Time Offenses?

Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Theft

The criminal levels for theft and shoplifting are based upon the retail value of the merchandise. If the value $500 or less, you could face misdemeanor theft charges. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you could face:

• A criminal conviction;

• Up to 90 days in jail; and

• Up to the $1000 fine.

“Because it is a crime of dishonesty, a conviction that can have life-long ramifications.”

If the value of the merchandise is between $500 and $1000, you could be facing gross misdemeanor charges. If you are facing a gross misdemeanor, you could face:

• A criminal conviction;

• Up to 1 year in jail; and

• Up to a $3000 fine.

Its important to remember that it isn’t about whether you have a record or not. Even a first time offender could easily be charged with criminal theft, even for the smallest and seemingly least significant item.

Felony Theft

While it may seem that to face felony theft charges, you would have needed to take something huge. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Generally speaking, any theft over $1000 could result in a felony conviction. And lets be clear, depending upon the valuation the sentencing can get much much worse. If you are convicted of felony theft, you could face lot of ramifications including:

• More than a year in jail;

• Up to a $10,000 fine;

• a Felony conviction;

• Loss of right to possess weapons

• Loss of your right to vote.

It may seem like a hard level to hit, what is the value of a cell phone? That number can frequently cross the $1000 mark. It is important to recognize the kinds of charges you might face.

“Its important to remember that it isn’t about whether you have a record or not. Even a first time offender could easily be charged with criminal theft, even for the smallest and seemingly least significant item.”

Sometimes, we do things without comtemplating the consequences. This might even be more likely if you are younger although it can happen at any age. At the same time, the problem is the consequences for a criminal conviction can be catastrophic. Even worse, if it is a crime of dishonesty like shoplifting, a conviction that can have life-long ramifications. Because this is the case, it is critical that you handle it now, at this moment. If you act like it didn’t happen, rest assured that there may be others down the road that may never ever let you forget it.

If you are facing shoplifting charges in Minnesota, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation. We won’t judge you. We will fight for you.

Jack Rice is a former prosecutor, a former CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Jack is also the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.