Minneapolis Theft Lawyer

Representation for Your Theft Charges in Minnesota

In general, theft occurs when a person takes another's property. Minnesota recognizes that the acquisition of said property may be done without consent or with it – when such was done by use of a fraud scheme. It also recognizes that a person may deprive another of property permanently or temporarily. This all means that if an individual unlawfully acquires something – whether it's goods or services – they are committing a crime. The state will harshly prosecute them, and if they are found guilty, they may be subject to severe penalties, including incarceration and/or fines.

If you or someone you know has been accused, reach out to Brockton D. Hunter P.A. as soon as possible. Our Minneapolis theft lawyers are ready to fight for you and preserve your rights. We have extensive experience challenging criminal accusations and know what it takes to get results. Our team will examine all of the evidence in your case and look into the process leading up to official charges being filed against you. Such a thorough review can help us spot weaknesses in proof and procedural errors that could substantially impact your case's outcome.

How Does Minnesota Define Theft?

The law concerning theft is MN Statutes § 609.52. It is specifically concerned with offenses involving the unlawful acquisition of property or services. Minnesota also has other laws concerning related theft crimes, such as receiving stolen property (MN Statutes § 609.53), motor vehicle tampering (MN Statutes § 609.546), mail theft (MN Statutes § 609.529), identity theft (MN Statutes § 609.527), and possession of shoplifting gear (MN Statutes § 609.521).

The theft law enumerates several types of conduct that constitute an offense. These include:

• Taking property without the owner's consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it
• Taking property from a pledgee or person with the right to the item without consent
• Obtaining custody or the title of property or performance of services by defrauding the owner
• Obtaining property through the use of artifice, trick, or other schemes to defraud
• Obtaining property under certain conditions when the intent is to temporarily deprive the owner of it
• Keeping lost property without making a reasonable attempt to return it to the owner
• Obtaining property without making the required deposit
• Using trade secrets for personal gain without the right to do so
• Unlawfully leasing or renting personal property
• Defacing movable property to prevent the owner from identifying it
• Removing the serial number or other ID numbers on personal property to prevent identification
• Unlawfully receiving cable television service by making an unauthorized connection or using an unauthorized device
• Receiving services without intending to pay for them
• Unlawfully receiving telecommunications services by using an unauthorized connection or device
• Using business property for something other than its intended purposes
• Defrauding a corporation into making a distribution in violation of the law
• Taking gas from a retailer without consent
• Committing wage theft

Because the law defines various ways theft could be committed, you may find yourself facing accusations even though you didn't intend to do anything unlawful. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we're ready to listen to your side of the story and develop a defense that allows your voice to be heard. Speak with our Minneapolis theft attorneys about your case as soon as possible.

Is Theft a Misdemeanor or Felony in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. What determines the level is the type and value of the item involved.

Below are the charges and penalties that can be levied depending on the circumstances:

• Misdemeanor theft:

  • Property or services is valued at $500 or less

Penalties include:

• • Up to 90 days in jail and/or
  • Up to $1,000 in fines

• Gross Misdemeanor theft:

  • Property or services is valued at over $500 but not more than $1,000

Penalties include:

• • Up to 1 year in jail and/or
  • Up to $3,000 in fines

• Felony theft:

When the property or services is:

• • Valued at over $1,000 but not more than $5,000;
  • A Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance; or
  • Valued at more than $500 but not more than $1,000 and the person has a prior theft conviction within the past 5 years

The penalties include:

• • Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

When the property or services is:

• • Valued at over $5,000, or
  • A trade secret, incendiary device, or a Schedule I or II controlled substance

The penalties include:

• • Up to 10 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $20,000 in fines

When the property or services:

• • Is a firearm, or
  • Valued at over $35,000

The penalties include:

• • Up to 20 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $100,000 in fines

No matter what you have been accused of, our theft lawyers in Minneapolis will put in the time and effort necessary to defend you.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Minneapolis Theft Crime Lawyers

We can investigate your arrest, examine all of the available evidence, and determine all of your legal options in order to obtain the best results possible. Our Minneapolis criminal defense firm is led by an attorney who has a perfect 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating due to experience, service, and results, and who has been included in Minnesota's Super Lawyers® list every year since 2011. Do not risk going to trial without our experienced legal help.