Minneapolis Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft crimes in Minnesota range from stealing petty amounts of merchandise to thousands of dollars in bad checks, to stealing cars and embezzling corporate funds. Theft convictions leave a permanent and damaging stain on records that affect employment, housing, licenses, and loans. The punishments for theft are wide ranging depending on the type of theft offense involved. Read more about Minnesota theft crimes below.
Minnesota Theft Charges
Generally, the following actions constitute common Minnesota theft crimes (this is not a complete list):
- Intentionally taking someone else’s property without permission, either temporarily or permanently
- Shoplifting
- Tricking someone into giving up services
- Writing a check with insufficient funds (writing a bad check or writing a check that bounces)
- White collar crimes such as embezzlement, tax evasion, conspiracy, forgery, bribery, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering
- Motor vehicle theft (carjacking or “grand theft auto”)
- Receiving stolen goods
- Wrongfully obtaining public assistance (welfare fraud)
Check forgery - Possession of theft tools
- Burglary
- Robbery
Minnesota Theft Penalties
The penalties for theft crimes varies depending on the specific theft charge. Below is a general summary of the most common types of theft offense penalties:
- Thefts involving money or goods between $1 and $500 are misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Thefts involving money or goods between $501 and $1,000 are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
- Thefts involving money or goods over $1,000 are felonies punishable by at at least 1 year in prison or more. As a general rule, the higher the dollar value, the higher the penalties.
Contact Minneapolis Theft Lawyer
Minneapolis theft defense attorney Christopher Keyser is a respected trial lawyer with a record of winning theft cases throughout Minnesota. He was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, and has a Superb rating on Avvo.com. Christopher Keyser has successfully defended theft cases throughout Minnesota resulting in dismissed charges, reduced charges, reduced sentences, and resolutions involving no jail time. If you wish to consult with our Minnesota theft lawyer about your case and the potential defenses that can dismiss or reduce your charges, call us for a free case evaluation at 612-338-5007.
