White Bear Lake Police Will Be Watching for These Common Holiday Crimes
By Sullivan Rice
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when certain crimes tend to increase in White Bear Lake and across Minnesota. As we head into the festivities, it’s important to be aware of common offenses that tend to surge during this time of year. Understanding these risks, along with the potential legal consequences, can help you stay safe and avoid a holiday nightmare.
Here are some of the top crimes to watch out for in the White Bear Lake area this holiday season and what you could face if you get caught:
Shoplifting
The holiday shopping season brings large crowds to stores and shopping centers, which also leads to an uptick in shoplifting. Shoplifting is defined in Minnesota as taking or concealing property without permission. This includes activities such as using false representations in a store, swapping price tags, or taking items without paying for them.
Penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the stolen goods:
Under $500: Up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
$500 to $1,000: Up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $3,000.
Over $1,000: Felony charges with the potential for up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Over $35,000 or stolen firearms: You could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
If you’re caught shoplifting in the White Bear Lake area, the consequences can be severe, so it’s essential to understand the law.
Vehicle Theft
Along with shoplifting, vehicle theft is another crime that tends to rise during the holidays. Minnesota law defines vehicle theft as unlawfully taking, concealing, or using someone else’s vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
If you steal a vehicle in White Bear Lake:
Vehicles valued under $5,000: You could face up to 5 years in prison.
Vehicles valued over $5,000: The penalty increases to up to 10 years in prison.
The penalties for motor vehicle theft are serious, and convictions can severely impact your future.
Package Theft
With the increase in online shopping comes a rise in package theft. It’s common for thieves to target front porches or mailboxes for unattended deliveries. In Minnesota, taking packages from someone else's property is considered mail theft, which is a felony.
If you steal a package or intercept someone’s mail in White Bear Lake, you could face:
Up to 3 years in prison.
Fines up to $5,000.
Remember that stealing packages is not only a criminal offense but also a serious violation of trust within your community.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
For many, the holidays are a time for parties and gatherings, and for some, that means drinking. If you decide to drink and drive in White Bear Lake, you could be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
Penalties for DUI offenses in Minnesota include:
First offense: Up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a license suspension of up to 1 year.
Subsequent offenses: The penalties increase with each conviction, and you could face longer license suspensions, higher fines, and extended jail time.
If you’re caught driving under the influence in White Bear Lake, don’t expect the courts to be lenient. It’s better to plan ahead for a safe way home if you plan to drink.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you’re facing charges for theft, DUI, or any other holiday-related crime, you need a seasoned criminal defense attorney by your side. Jack Rice Defense specializes in defending clients against criminal charges in the White Bear Lake area. With years of experience and a proven track record, we’ll work to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Our team is dedicated to fighting aggressively for our clients, using innovative defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process and work tirelessly to reduce the consequences of a conviction.
About Jack Rice
Jack Rice is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has built a reputation for providing fierce, effective representation. He’s known for his dedication to his clients and his ability to handle complex criminal cases. Jack has been recognized for his work in criminal law and has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate for those facing criminal charges in Minnesota.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges this holiday season in White Bear Lake, contact Jack Rice Defense for a consultation. Don’t let one mistake ruin your future—let us fight for you.
