Penalties for Shoplifting in Minnesota

4 years ago by Justin M. Schiks

The penalties for shoplifting in Minnesota are serious. You could spend as many as 20 years in prison and be required to pay a fine up to $100,000. With so much at stake, you need a Woodbury theft crimes attorney to help you fight these charges.

Not including traffic infractions, shoplifting is high on the list of common crimes that people often try to get away with. With larger stores having dozens or even hundreds of patrons at any given time, ensuring that no one places something in their pocket seems impossible for a loss prevention department to keep up with. However, many people are still caught, and if you face charges for shoplifting in Minnesota, you need to know what is at risk and the potential looming penalties. Hiring a knowledgeable Woodbury theft crimes lawyer can help eliminate or reduce the penalties you might face for shoplifting. 

Shoplifting and Minnesota Laws

Shoplifting falls into the category of theft in Minnesota statutes. Penalties for shoplifting are dependent upon the value of the items that were taken – the higher the value, the harsher the penalty. Several different acts classify as shoplifting including:

• Hiding or taking property without permission
• Procurement of goods through false representation
• Swapping price tags to pay a lower amount for an item
• Consuming or using items in the store without paying for them

Those fighting charges of shoplifting in Minnesota need the trustworthy representation of a seasoned Woodbury theft crimes attorney to help them navigate the legal system.

Penalties for Shoplifting

Although shoplifting is often unnoticed and is a smaller charge than most other crimes, the state of Minnesota still takes shoplifting seriously and applies harsh penalties for those who are convicted. Penalties for shoplifting can be as follows:

• Shoplifting with a merchandise value of $500 or less is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
• Shoplifting with a merchandise value of $1000 or less is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of up to $3,000.
• Shoplifting with a merchandise value of $500 but less than $1,000, and a prior shoplifting conviction within the last five years, is a felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Shoplifting with a merchandise value between $1,000 and $5,000 is a felony that is punishable by not more than five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Shoplifting with a merchandise value between $5,000 and $35,000 or if the merchandise is an explosive or a controlled substance (except marijuana) is a felony that is punishable by fines up to $20,000 and as many as ten years in prison.
• Shoplifting with a merchandise value of more than $35,000, or if the shoplifted item is a firearm, is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines as much as $100,000.

These penalties could significantly impact your life in many negative ways. You can potentially mitigate these consequences by contacting a seasoned Woodbury theft crimes lawyer.

Hire a Woodbury Theft Crimes Lawyer to Protect Your Interests

Charges and consequences for shoplifting in Minnesota are serious and could change your life forever. With so much at stake, hiring an attorney to fight these charges is the next step you should take. Schedule your free consultation today with a knowledgeable Woodbury criminal defense attorney at JS Defense, PA by calling (651) 968-9652 or contact us online. We serve clients in many locations within Minnesota.