Minneapolis Theft Lawyers

Top Theft Attorneys in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Theft is taking someone else’s property without permission and with the intent to deprive that person of it. Under Minnesota law, other actions can classify as theft, too, such as driving another person’s vehicle without permission or filing a false medical claim. These crimes carry significant penalties, which are determined by the value — and in some cases, type — of the item or items stolen.

Even a petty theft such as shoplifting could result in jail time. That’s why, no matter the circumstances concerning your charges, you need to obtain help from a legal representative who can supply you with the answers you need to move forward wisely. This is why you should choose our time-tested and results-driven Minneapolis theft attorneys at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.

Schedule a FREE consultation with our Minneapolis theft defense attorneys today.

Comprehensive Defense for Theft Charges in Minnesota

In the state of Minnesota, a theft offense may result in misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony, or even federal charges—depending on the nature of the crime. The severity of the charge will depend on the value of the stolen property, the type of property that was stolen, from whom the property was stolen, and whether or not the defendant has been convicted of similar crimes in the past.

There are a wide variety of offenses that can be categorized as theft crimes:

• Petty theft
• Grand theft
• Shoplifting
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Carjacking

Misdemeanor & Felony Theft in Minnesota

In Minnesota, theft charges are classified into different levels based on the value of the property or services stolen. These classifications include misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies, each with varying degrees of severity and potential penalties.

Petty Misdemeanor Theft

• Value: Property or services valued at $500 or less.

Misdemeanor Theft

• Value: Property or services valued at more than $500 but less than $1,000.

Gross Misdemeanor Theft

• Value: Property or services valued between $1,000 and $5,000.

Felony Theft

• Value: Property or services valued at $5,000 or more, or between $1,000 and $5,000 if the theft involves specific circumstances such as theft from a person or involving a firearm.

Other factors that can elevate a theft charge to a higher level include:

• The theft involves a firearm or explosive
• The theft is part of a scheme to defraud multiple victims or involves a series of thefts over a period of time
• The theft is from a person or involves property taken directly from another person
• The stolen property is a controlled substance

The specific circumstances of each case can influence the charges and penalties.

What are the Penalties for Theft in Minnesota?

The penalties for theft will depend on the value of the item(s) stolen, as follows:

• Valued at less than $500 — Not more than 90 days' imprisonment and/or $1,000 in fines
• Valued at $500 - $1,000 — Not more than 1 year imprisonment and/or $3,000 in fines
• Valued at $1,000 to $5,000 — Not more than 5 years' imprisonment and/or $10,000 in fines
• Valued at $5,000 or more — Not more than 10 years' imprisonment and/or $20,000 in fines
• Valued at $35,000 or more — Not more than 20 years' imprisonment and/or $100,000 in fines

In addition to these penalties, an individual convicted of a theft crime will be civilly liable to the victim for restitution and punitive damages. These penalties could be affected if the item stolen was of a particular type such as a controlled substance, trade secret, explosive/incendiary device, firearm, or theft accomplished through fraud or deceit. Repeat offenders may also face increased penalties.

Arrested for theft? Contact Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. at (612) 444-5020 for a free case evaluation. Our dedicated Minneapolis theft crime lawyers are ready to defend your case.