In Minnesota, like in most other states, theft is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony-level offense. When determining whether to charge an accused with a misdemeanor or felony offense, prosecutors will consider the value of the items taken and any aggravating factors involved.
In Minnesota, the threshold for a felony-level theft offense is generally more than $500. That doesn’t really tell you the whole story, though. Below, we’re going to help you understand theft charges overall and how the felony theft threshold works.
How Minnesota Theft Charges Work
Theft crimes in Minnesota are divided into two categories: larceny and robbery. Larceny is defined as the taking of property without force, threat, or deception. Robbery is defined as the taking of property by use of force, threats, or deception.
Regardless of whether something is a larceny or a robbery, theft crimes in Minnesota can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. The severity of the charge depends on the nature of the offense and the value of the goods stolen.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Charges in Minnesota Like?
The most common misdemeanor theft offenses involve items valued at less than $500. These offenses are typically punishable by fines and/or jail time of up to 90 days.
Felony theft offenses generally involve items valued at more than $500, or a pattern of thefts over several months. These types of charges are also typically brought when any theft offense is committed with a weapon, or when bodily harm is caused to the victim.
Felony theft crimes can result in sentences ranging from one year to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense and any aggravating factors. The court may also require the convicted to pay restitution and make community service contributions.
In addition, if a person is convicted of theft in Minnesota more than once, they are considered a habitual offender and can be sentenced to longer jail terms or stricter penalties. This rule applies even if the thefts were committed at different times and not related to each other.
Beyond Criminal Charges: In Minnesota, Prosecutors Can File Civil Suits, Too
When it comes to the penalties for a theft crime in Minnesota, it is important to note that prosecutors have the option of filing civil lawsuits against an accused thief even if criminal charges are not filed. This means that if someone steals something, they can end up owing money to both the state and the victim.
To make matters worse, a conviction of theft in Minnesota can result in damage to one’s personal and professional reputation, making it difficult to obtain employment or housing.
A Theft Conviction Can Change Your Life – Don’t Let That Happen
Theft is not something to be taken lightly, and all accused persons should take the allegations seriously.
It is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged with a theft offense in Minnesota. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the best defense strategies and work to help you reach the best outcome possible.
About the Author:
Christopher Keyser is an AV-Preeminent rated criminal and DWI defense attorney based in Minneapolis who is known for fighting aggressively for his clients and utilizing innovative tactics to get the most positive results. He has been featured in numerous media outlets due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and has been named a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Minnesota Bar Association. Mr. Keyser is Lead Counsel rated, and he has received recognition for his criminal law work from Avvo, Expertise, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more.
