Can You Go to Jail for Shoplifting in Minnesota?
3 years ago by Brian
A shoplifting conviction in the State of Minnesota can bring about serious consequences. If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense, it is important that you have skilled legal representation in your corner from the beginning of your case to the end.
There is no disputing that shoplifting is a serious crime in Minnesota. In fact, if you are convicted of a shoplifting offense, according to the Criminal Code for the State of Minnesota, you might have to spend a considerable amount of time in prison. If you are facing a criminal charge for shoplifting, you want the best possible team of criminal defense lawyers on your side advocating for you.
The Woodbury criminal defense lawyers at JS Defense, PA., can review your case with you, explore your legal options, and help you decide on the best course of action for your case. Please call us today to learn more about how we could help defend you against your criminal shoplifting charge.
Defining Shoplifting under Minnesota Law
There are different types of acts that qualify as shoplifting in the State of Minnesota. For example, you could be charged with shoplifting if you swap price tags on items in an attempt to pay less than the actual amount. You could also be charged with shoplifting if you use or consume store items without first paying, taking or hiding merchandise that is for sale in the store, or trying to obtain store merchandise by making one or more misrepresentations.
Potential Penalties for Shoplifting in Minnesota Include Jail Time
In order for you to be convicted of shoplifting in Minnesota, the state prosecutor who is handling your case must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are ultimately convicted, the potential penalties depend upon the value of the merchandise that you allegedly stole. Even in cases where a shoplifter stole merchandise valued at $500 or less, the shoplifter could be sentenced to maximum monetary fines of $1,000 and a maximum of 90 days in jail.
The higher the value of the merchandise that the shoplifter allegedly stole, the more significant the jail time. For example, if the shoplifter allegedly stole merchandise that had a value of $1,000 to $5,000, the shoplifter could be sentenced to maximum monetary fines of $10,000 and a maximum of five years of incarceration. Finally, in cases where a shoplifter allegedly stole merchandise that was valued in excess of $35,000 – or where the shoplifter allegedly stole a firearm – the shoplifter could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years of incarceration, along with maximum monetary fines of $100,000.
Speak with an Experienced Woodbury Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
In addition to the potential jail time associated with a shoplifting conviction, a shoplifter will also be faced with a black mark on his or her criminal record, along with personal and professional consequences. The skilled legal team at JS Defense, PA., will do everything possible to help minimize those consequences.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Woodbury criminal defense attorney, please call us today at (651) 968-9652 or contact us online for more information.
