Minnesota Shoplifting & Theft Charges Defense Attorney
Shoplifting and theft charges are common but are taken very seriously in Minnesota. If you have been charged with shoplifting then you need a tremendously effective defense. It is also a serious offense that you do not want on your record. Only the most experienced and committed defense attorney in the twin cities should represent your interests.
Minneapolis criminal lawyer Kevin DeVore is fully qualified to protect you and your future with a powerful and aggressive theft defense. He is a distinguished attorney dedicated to representing you, your rights, and your freedom when their validity comes into question. He is always ready to provide you the protection that you need during this time.
Minnesota Shoplifting Law
Minnesota Statute 609.52 of 2019 concerns theft and is an intricate and dense set of laws that can be confusing and burdensome for even the most educated lawyers. Shoplifting is not mentioned by name in the statute but lays within the definition of theft.
One definition of theft, that covers the act of shoplifting, is the intentional concealing, taking, transferring, and/or retaining a tangible item without having the owner’s consent. The penalties and level of crime pertaining to the shoplifting charge are determined by the cost and even the purpose of the item. A shoplifting charge is not always a misdemeanor. The theft of a gun, for example, automatically makes the charge a felony charge. A person’s criminal history will also play a large part in determining the consequences of this crime.
Everyone knows that shoplifting is concealing the item and carrying it out of the store. Did you know that switching a price tag is also shoplifting or that eating or drinking an item while in the store and not paying for it are also considered shoplifting? Using any form of false representation in the store to obtain an item is also shoplifting and the consequences vary.
Shoplifting Charges and Penalties
Charges and penalties are determined by value and use. If the item is worth:
- less than $500 is a misdemeanor with up to ninety days in jail and a fine of up to $1000
- $500-$999 is a gross misdemeanor that is punishable by a year in jail and a fine of up to $3000
- $1,000-$ 4,999 is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine up to $10,000
- $5000-$34999 is a felony that can get you up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000
- $35000+ is a felony that can cost you up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
Minnesota also believes there is civil liability for theft. You can be charged in civil court as well as criminal court.
Sometimes people make mistakes and there are valid defense tactics when it comes to fighting theft charges. A person could be charged with shoplifting, or theft, even if they had brought an item into the store with them in the first place. For example, if you carry a purse or a bag and it contains a bottle of aspirin that you bought at this same store last week, you can be accused of stealing that item if someone were to see it in there. No matter your story, you always deserve the most comprehensive defense.
Contact Kevin DeVore 24/7 – St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer
Kevin and his team specialize in criminal defense and he is on your side from the very first phone call. His team has built strong relationships with the members of the Minneapolis law community and can get you great results before going to court if needed. Kevin promises to communicate fully to guide you through the entire process of your case, beginning to end. He understands your stress and works tirelessly to make this experience as painless for you as possible.
Contact St. Paul criminal defense attorney Kevin DeVore at DeVore Criminal Defense 24/7 for your free and confidential case evaluation at 651-435-6500. You will have direct access to Kevin and he will use every tool in his kit to work hard for you. Allow us to protect your rights.
Posted 28th May 2020 by DeVore Criminal Defense