Minnesota Theft Crime Lawyer
If you’re facing theft charges in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or one of the surrounding communities, you need to get a theft crime lawyer on your side right away. A conviction for theft charges in Minnesota can wreak havoc on your personal life, your career, and your freedom.
The Minneapolis theft crime attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys may be able to help you avoid maximum penalties and prison time, get your criminal charges reduced, or even have the theft charges dropped completely.
Contact a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation. Call (952) 913-1421.
What Is a Theft Offense?
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What Is a Theft Offense?
If you’re facing a theft charge, you have most likely been accused of taking someone else’s property without permission for your personal gain. While most theft charges involve stolen property, however, that isn’t always the case. Theft crimes can include many different types of accusations. This runs the gamut from misdemeanor theft charges like shoplifting to federal felony embezzlement.
Under Minnesota law, other types of offenses that do not involve stealing physical property can be classified as theft crimes too. Theft cases may include, but are not limited to:
- Identity theft
- Digital theft
- Trade secret theft
- Check fraud
- Filing a false medical claim
- Driving someone’s motor vehicle without permission
From petty theft and gross misdemeanor cases to embezzlement and grand theft, the Minneapolis theft crime attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys have defended people facing criminal charges in all types of theft cases.
Contact a Minnesota theft crime lawyer at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for help.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes?
The penalties for theft crimes in Minneapolis and St. Paul vary significantly, depending on the value of the item stolen, the type of stolen property, how the alleged theft occurred, and whether you have prior convictions for similar charges.
A first-time misdemeanor theft charge for shoplifting an item that was worth $10, for instance, will not carry the same jail time, fines, and other penalties as a third or fourth felony theft conviction. Even a conviction for petty theft, however, can sometimes result in substantial fines and jail time.
A theft offense in Minnesota may be charged as a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, a felony, or even a federal crime. Your Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your charges and the penalties you may face.
Sentencing Guidelines for Theft Convictions in Minnesota
In most cases, the penalties for a theft offense will follow these guidelines.
- A conviction for misdemeanor or petty theft charges in which stolen property is valued at less than $500 can bring up to 90 days behind bars, fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- If property is valued between $500 and $1,000, you can face up to one year in jail and up to $3,000 in fines, or both.
- For cases involving property that is valued between $1,000 and $5,000, a conviction can result in up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- If the stolen property is valued at $5,000 or more, you may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
- If the items stolen are worth over $35,000, you will face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 if you are convicted.
Factors That May Increase Penalties
You may face increased penalties if the item stolen was a firearm, a controlled substance, an explosive, or a trade secret. If the theft was accomplished through deceit or fraud, or you have prior convictions, your penalties could be increased as well.
Other Consequences of a Theft Conviction
Outside the criminal justice system, theft charges carry serious consequences that can impact all aspects of your future.
Employment
A theft conviction can interfere with your ability to obtain future employment or work in certain occupations.
Gun Ownership
If you used a firearm in the alleged theft, or you are convicted of a felony, you could lose your right to own a gun.
Restitution
A person convicted of theft will also be ordered to pay the money back to the victim. This is called “restitution.” A restitution Order as part of a criminal sentence can go on for years. If the money isn’t paid, the restitution debt can be converted to a civil judgment. Your credit score and ability to take out a car loan or mortgage could even be impacted.
How Can Minneapolis Theft Crime Attorneys Help?
Your attorney may be able to assert various defenses to reduce or eliminate your charges and help you stay out of jail.
Diversion programs may be available for first-time offenders. If you get into a diversion program, you do not have to plead guilty to anything, and you get no criminal conviction.
If your case is not eligible for a diversion program under Minnesota law, there are other things the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys can do to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
It may be possible for your theft lawyer to get your charges reduced to a petty theft or misdemeanor charge, which can result in reduced penalties.
It may also be possible to get you a Stay of Adjudication, which means you enter a guilty plea, but it is not accepted by the judge. When you successfully complete probation, the charge is dismissed. Thus, you have no criminal conviction.
Contact an Experienced Minnesota Theft Crime Lawyer at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you’re facing theft crime charges, contact experienced Minneapolis theft crimes attorney Max Keller for a free consultation. Call (952) 913-1421.
We are available 24 hours a day to current and prospective clients.
