What Do I Do If I’m Facing Theft Charges in Minnesota?
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, theft is one of the most common criminal charges in Minnesota and across the country. Despite this, a theft conviction, even as a misdemeanor, can have a dramatic impact upon your life or the life of your loved one. Beside the criminal conviction and the criminal penalties that can come with it, it is the ever-lingering question of honesty, stability, trustworthiness and dependability that will follow you. If you are facing theft charges of any level in Minnesota, you should talk with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Click here for more on Minnesota theft, fraud and property crimes.
“The societal cost you pay for a theft conviction could dwarf the criminal conviction itself. From jobs to housing to school to career, the costs just keep coming.”
What Exactly is the Crime of Theft in Minnesota?
Theft in Minnesota is the taking of someone else’s property without their permission and with the intent to deprive that person of it. Minnesota has defined the statute broadly to include shoplifting, driving another person’s car without permission, pumping gas and then leaving without pay, eating and not paying your bill, filing a false medical claim and far more.
How Does Minnesota Determine the Level of a Theft Offense?
Minnesota criminal offenses for theft include misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony. The level of offense is based upon the dollar value of the services or property taken. This is also occasionally determined by the type of property taken. It should be noted that because value may be subjective, valuation may be a weak point in a prosecution’s case.
What are the Penalties for Theft in Minnesota?
Misdemeanor Theft
If you are charged with stealing property valued at less than $500 in Minnesota, you could face:
a Misdemeanor criminal conviction;
up to 90 days in jail;
up to a $1000 fine.
probation with oversight;
restitution.
Gross Misdemeanor Theft
If you are charged stealing property valued at more than $500 but less than $1000 in Minnesota, you could face:
a Gross Misdemeanor criminal conviction;
up to 1 year in jail;
up to a $3000 fine.
probation with oversight;
restitution.
Felony Theft
If you are charged stealing property valued at more than $1000 but less than $5000 in Minnesota, you could face:
a Felony criminal conviction;
up to 5 years in prison;
up to a $10,000 fine.
probation with oversight;
restitution.
If you are charged stealing property valued at more than $5000 but less than $35,000 in Minnesota, you could face:
a Felony criminal conviction;
up to 10 years in prison;
up to a $20,000 fine.
probation with oversight;
restitution.
If you are charged stealing property valued at more than $35,000 in Minnesota, you could face:
a Felony criminal conviction;
up to 20 years in prison;
up to a $10,000 fine.
probation with oversight;
restitution.
Can Prior Theft Convictions or Type of Items Stolen Impact Charges and Convictions?
Simply put, yes. Prior theft convictions within the last five years could result in far more serious criminal charges and convictions In addition, the kind of item stolen could also impact charges. These items include drugs, weapons or explosives or if the theft took place because of fraud or deceit. Talk with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
“Its better to aggressively address a theft charge looking 20 years in the future than looking back 20 years and wishing you had.”
Jack Rice is St. Paul based criminal defense attorney and Founder of Jack Rice Defense. Jack is also a former prosecutor, a former CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.