Minnesota Theft Crime Lawyer

Skilled Representation for Theft Crime Charges in Minnesota

Facing theft crime charges can be a life-changing experience. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, embezzlement, burglary, or any other theft-related offense, the consequences of a conviction can be severe. At Capitol City Law Group, we are dedicated to justice, fairness, and equality. Our experienced Minnesota theft crime lawyers provide dedicated and aggressive representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome

Our St. Paul criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success and are ready to use their experience to protect your rights in court. Call us at 651-877-6784 today for a free consultation.

Understanding Theft Crimes in Minnesota

The legal definition of theft helps determine the seriousness of the charges you might face. Whether it’s shoplifting, auto theft, or receiving stolen property, the main elements are the same: taking or using someone else’s property without permission and intending to keep it permanently.

Theft crimes in Minnesota can range from minor offenses to serious felonies, each with different legal consequences. The classification depends on factors like the value of the stolen property, the type of property, and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

Theft Crimes in Minnesota

Theft crimes in Minnesota vary widely in severity, depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the case. At Capitol City Law Group, we handle all types of theft-related offenses, including:

• Shoplifting (Retail Theft): Accusations of taking merchandise without paying or altering price tags.
• Petty Theft: Theft of property valued at under $500, usually charged as a misdemeanor.
• Grand Theft: Theft involving higher-value property, often charged as a felony.
• Burglary: Entering a property unlawfully with the intent to commit theft.
• Robbery: Using force or intimidation to steal property.
• Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds entrusted to you, often involving employment.
• Auto Theft: Unlawfully taking or using someone else’s vehicle without permission.
• Receiving Stolen Property: Possessing or purchasing items known to be stolen.

Types of Theft Charges 

The type of theft charge in Minnesota depends on factors like the value of the stolen property, the type of item, and the offender’s record. Theft charges can be categorized into misdemeanor theft, gross misdemeanor theft, and felony theft.

Misdemeanor Theft

Misdemeanor theft involves stealing property worth less than $500. This type of charge often occurs in petty theft cases, where the items stolen are of low value. Even though it’s considered a lesser offense, misdemeanor theft can still lead to significant penalties, including fines and jail time.

In Minnesota, a misdemeanor theft conviction can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. First-time offenders might face lighter consequences, focusing on restitution and community service rather than jail time. However, repeat offenders may face harsher penalties and a higher chance of jail time.

Anyone facing misdemeanor theft charges should be aware of the potential outcomes. While the penalties may seem manageable, a theft conviction can have long-term impacts on one’s criminal record and future opportunities.

Gross Misdemeanor Theft

Gross misdemeanor theft involves stealing property valued between $500 and $1,000. This charge carries more severe penalties than misdemeanor theft due to the higher value of the stolen property. Individuals convicted of gross misdemeanor theft in Minnesota can face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.

Felony Theft

Felony theft involves stealing property worth more than $1,000. This is the most serious theft charge and can lead to significant legal consequences. Felony theft can result in long prison sentences and large fines.

In Minnesota, a felony theft conviction can lead to a prison sentence of more than one year. The length of the sentence and the amount of fines depend on the value of the stolen property. For example, theft of property valued between $1,000 and $5,000 can lead to up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. For property valued over $35,000, the penalties can be as severe as 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.

Due to the harsh penalties of felony theft, having an experienced Minnesota theft attorney to help with your case is essential. Legal regulations, including potential fine amounts or imprisonment lengths, may change over time. For the most current and accurate information, consult with a legal professional to ensure accuracy in your specific situation.

What Factors Can Affect Theft Crime Charges in Minnesota?

The severity of theft crime charges in Minnesota is influenced by several key factors that can impact the legal consequences an individual may face.

Value of the Stolen Property

One of the main factors in theft charges is the value of the stolen property. Minnesota law categorizes theft offenses based on the property’s worth. As the value increases, so do the potential penalties. For example, stealing property valued at less than $500 may result in misdemeanor charges, while theft involving property worth more than $1,000 could lead to felony charges. The higher the value of the property, the more severe the legal consequences.

Prior Criminal Record

An individual’s past criminal record plays a significant role in determining the severity of theft charges. Repeat offenders are likely to face harsher penalties compared to first-time offenders. Minnesota law often imposes increased penalties for those with previous theft convictions, reflecting a pattern of criminal behavior. A history of theft offenses can escalate the charges and result in longer jail time or higher fines.

Use of Violence or Threats

The involvement of violence or threats during the theft can make the charges more severe. If the theft involved force or intimidation, it could be classified as robbery, a more serious offense than theft alone. The presence of weapons or causing harm to others during the theft can further increase the charges, potentially leading to longer prison sentences and larger fines.

Type of Property Stolen

Certain types of stolen property can also affect the severity of theft charges. Items such as firearms, controlled substances, or explosives are considered more serious under Minnesota law. Theft involving these types of property is likely to result in increased penalties due to the potential risk to public safety. Additionally, theft of trade secrets or public assistance can carry specific legal implications and heightened consequences.

Circumstances of the Crime

The specific circumstances surrounding the theft can also affect the charges. Factors such as whether the theft occurred in a private residence or a public place, if it involved a breach of trust, or if it was part of a larger criminal scheme can all influence the severity of the charges. The context in which the theft occurred can provide prosecutors with grounds to pursue more stringent penalties.

By understanding these factors, individuals facing theft charges in Minnesota can better prepare their defense strategy.

Potential Penalties for Theft Crimes in Minnesota

The penalties for theft crimes in Minnesota depend on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense. Common penalties include:

• Misdemeanor Theft (under $500): Up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Gross Misdemeanor Theft ($500 – $1,000): Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $3,000.
• Felony Theft (over $1,000): Possible imprisonment ranging from 5 to 20 years and substantial fines.
• Restitution: You may be ordered to repay the value of the stolen property or funds.
• Criminal Record: A theft conviction can negatively impact your employment, housing, and reputation.

Our skilled Minnesota theft defense attorneys understand the consequences of a conviction and will fight to minimize penalties or seek to have charges dismissed whenever possible.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Theft Conviction?

A theft conviction in Minnesota can have wide-ranging effects that go beyond legal punishments. These impacts can touch many parts of a person’s life, affecting future chances and overall well-being.

Employment Challenges

One of the biggest long-term effects of a theft conviction is finding a job. Many employers check backgrounds when hiring, and a criminal record can be a big hurdle. Theft convictions can raise doubts about trust, making it hard to get jobs, especially in roles that involve handling money or sensitive information. This can slow career progress and lead to financial difficulties.

Housing Issues

A theft conviction can also make finding a place to live harder. Landlords often check the backgrounds of potential renters, and a criminal record can be a warning sign. This can lead to rejected rental applications, forcing people to settle for less ideal living situations. The stigma of a theft conviction can make it tough to find stable and secure housing, affecting the quality of life.

Defending Against Theft Charges

Defending against theft charges requires a good understanding of the law and a clear plan. The effects of a theft conviction can be serious, affecting not only legal status but also future job prospects and personal reputation.

Defenses to Theft Crimes

Each case is unique, but common defenses to theft crimes in Minnesota include:

• Lack of Intent: Proving you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
• Mistaken Identity: Showing you were not the person who committed the crime.
• Consent: Demonstrating that the owner gave you permission to use or take the property.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence and witness credibility.

Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to build the strongest possible defense for your case.

Importance of Legal Representation

Having a Minnesota theft attorney is key to building a strong defense and understanding the legal process. Experienced lawyers not only help build a strong defense but also guide clients through the legal process associated with theft charges. The stakes are high, including rights, freedom, and future, making professional legal help essential for anyone charged with a theft crime.

How Capitol City Law Group Can Help

When you hire Capitol City Law Group to handle your theft crime case, you can trust that our experienced attorneys will:

• Evaluate the Evidence: We will carefully analyze the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses and opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges.
• Build a Strong Defense: We will craft a defense strategy tailored to your case, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence.
• Negotiate with Prosecutors: In some cases, we can negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs to avoid jail time.
• Aggressively Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, we will fight to protect your rights and present a compelling defense.

Can You Reduce or Expunge a Theft Conviction in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, people with theft convictions might have the chance to reduce or clear their criminal records, offering a way to start fresh. Expungement is a legal process that hides a criminal record from public view, giving people a chance to move past their convictions and rebuild their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Handling the expungement process can be complicated, and getting help from an experienced Minnesota theft attorney is important. Legal professionals can help assess eligibility, prepare the necessary paperwork, and advocate for individuals seeking to clear their records.

Why Choose Capitol City Law Group?

Capitol City Law Group is committed to providing full legal support to people facing theft charges in Minnesota. Our team focuses on justice and fairness, ensuring each client gets personal attention and a strong defense plan tailored to their situation. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of theft crimes, from misdemeanor theft to complex felony theft cases.

At Capitol City Law Group, we are committed to providing skilled and personalized legal representation to clients facing theft crime charges in Minnesota. When you work with our team, you benefit from:

• Proven Experience: Our attorneys have successfully defended clients in a wide range of theft-related cases.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We will fight to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome for your case.
• Personalized Attention: We understand the stress you are under and provide compassionate, one-on-one support.
• Results-Oriented Strategies: We focus on achieving results that protect your future and minimize the impact of a theft charge

Contact a Minnesota Theft Crime Lawyer Today

If you are facing theft crime charges in Minnesota, do not wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. At Capitol City Law Group, our skilled theft crime attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges, our team is ready to help you through the legal process. We are here to protect your rights and freedom, ensuring you get the best possible legal support every step of the way. Don’t face these charges alone—contact Capitol City Law Group today for a free case evaluation at 651-877-6784 and let us help you secure your future.