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Minneapolis Theft Crime Attorney

As a top Minneapolis Theft Crime Attorney, Lynne Torgerson knows how to represent theft crimes in Minnesota. Ms. Torgerson is a criminal defense lawyer, and in this category, handles cases involving charges of theft, shoplifting, theft by swindle, theft by misrepresentation, credit card fraud, financial transaction card fraud, embezzlement, mail fraud, forgery, check forgery, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, receiving stolen property, identity theft, possession of counterfeit money, motor vehicle theft, motor vehicle tampering, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, etc.

If you've been charged with any of the above crimes, Lynne Torgerson can help.

Trusted & Experienced Minneapolis Theft Crime Lawyer

Representation on charges of theft, shoplifting, check forgery, embezzlement, etc.

A theft charge is undoubtedly one of the most challenging situations faced by an individual and their family. Not only does it lead to painful emotions such as embarrassment and disappointment, but also leads to an uncertain future. If you or any of your loved ones is charged with theft, it is best to retain the services of a qualified and experienced Theft Crimes Attorney as soon as possible. Timely action is a must in a theft crime case, as it would help your attorney to prepare well for your case, and possible trial, when the evidence is fresh and still available. As a Minnesota Theft Crimes Attorney with over 29 years of experience, Ms. Lynne Torgerson has a thorough understanding of theft crimes and realizes their seriousness and gravity. Often, charges of theft could lead to harsh consequences when compared to some other charges and accusations.  A lawyer of Lynne Torgerson’s standing can help you with the most effective of defenses, irrespective of the level of your charge.
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Shoplifting

Shoplifting Charges

Too often, people undermine the severity of a shoplifting charge. A conviction can lead to long term negative collateral consequences and employment problems. In addition to that, if it is your child who is facing the charges, it is highly recommended that you help him out of the legal process rather than letting him figure things on his own.

This especially crucial as the consequences of a shoplifting charge are often graver than expected. It is highly recommended that you seek and retain the services of a qualified and talented Shoplifting Attorney at the earliest to properly handle the challenging situation.

Theft Charges & Imprisonment

A theft charge in Minnesota can lead to dire penalties such as imprisonment and high fines, as well as negative employment consequences. Whether you are accused of petty theft, grand theft, robbery, larceny, burglary, embezzlement or auto theft, your first step should be to contact a knowledgeable theft lawyer at the earliest.

 Lynne Torgerson is your best choice for a theft attorney, as there are very few theft attorneys who can match her experience, qualifications, and dedication. If you are looking for strong and innovative legal representation, then retaining her services can help you achieve the best possible results for your case.

Lynne Torgerson, Esq., Attorney at Law, has an impressive track record in providing legal assistance to a number of individuals facing theft charges. She is well aware of the intricacies and complications associated with a theft case and is an expert in maneuvering through the legal system in Minnesota.

She is a one step ahead of the other theft attorneys and works for the best possible defense for her clients. Once retained and on your team, she desires to provide you with the best legal representation around.

If you are seeking the services of a talented and experienced theft attorney, request an initial consultation with Lynne Torgerson.

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Minneapolis Theft Crime Attorney

If you find yourself charged in a criminal case, whether federal or local, and you seek representation in Minneapolis or throughout the state of Minnesota, contact Lynne Torgerson today for your free consultation.

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Our Victories

Lynne Torgerson theft defense lawyer gets $2.5 million theft by swindle case dismissed.

Lynne Torgerson’s client was charged with aiding and abetting theft by swindle in the amount of $2.5 million dollars.  After a long year of multiple court dates, the case was continued for dismissal and then dismissed. 

This means that for this theft by swindle case, there was no guilty plea, no finding of guilt, and no conviction.  Further, the client would now be eligible for an expungement.  Excellent result Ms. Torgerson!

Lynne Torgerson obtains dismissal of felony financial exploitation of vulnerable adult case.

Attorney Lynne Torgerson obtains dismissal of felony financial exploitation of vulnerable adult case in Dakota County, State of Minnesota.  Initially, Ms. Torgerson worked out an agreement with the Dakota County Attorney’s Office that the case would receive a Diversion disposition.  Having successfully completed Diversion, the case was dismissed.  Well done client and Ms. Torgerson.

Lynne Torgerson obtains continuance for dismissal on behalf of client.

Lynne Torgerson, won a continuance for dismissal on behalf of client, out of Scott County, State of Minnesota.  It really can’t get much better than this.  Ms. Torgerson’s client was charged with theft (shoplifting) for leaving a grocery store with groceries without paying for them.  Ms. Torgerson’s client had no prior criminal record. 

Due to work shortages, his income was rather depleted.  A continuance for dismissal is where the case is held in abeyance for a year, on the conditions that a defendant pay court and prosecution costs, and remain law abiding.  It does not involve any guilty plea or conviction.  Then, after a year, the case is dismissed.  The client did not plead guilty, was not conviction, and their criminal record remains clean.  This sort of resolution also makes the client eligible for an expungement.  Well done Ms. Torgerson.

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Case Law Updates

Was evidence sufficient in check forgery trial?

It was error for the trial court to fail to give accomplice testimony jury instruction in 1st degree aggravated robbery jury trial.

In this direct appeal from a conviction of aiding 1st degree aggravated robbery, defendant argued that the trial court plainly erred by failing to sua sponte give an accomplice testimony jury instruction.  The Minnesota Court of Appeals agreed that the trial court plainly erred in failing to provide the jury the accomplice testimony instruction but concluded that this plain error did not affect defendant’s substantial rights, as there was not a reasonable likelihood that the jury’s verdict would have changed had the trial court given an accomplice corroboration instruction to the jury.  Affirmed.

State v. Jones, A18-1836, Hennepin County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Burden of proof shifting by prosecution in offering a forged check trial.

Defendant was convicted of offering a forged check. Defendant appealed.  On appeal, she argued that the prosecutor committed misconduct during closing argument by shifting the burden of proof.  The prosecution had commented on the lack of evidence supporting a defense theory.  The Minnesota Court of Appeals held that a prosecutor does not improperly shift the burden of proof by commenting on the lack of evidence supporting a defense theory.   Affirmed.

State v. Flash, A19-1012, Crow Wing County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Defendant challenged his conviction for unlawful use of identification document.

Defendant was convicted of unlawful use of an identification document.  On appeal, defendant challenged the sufficiency of the evidence.  The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the evidence was sufficient to prove that defendant knowingly used the documents for entry or employment, and, that he knew the documents were false.  Conviction affirmed.

United States v. Gonzalez Esparsa, 19-147, Grasz, J.  Appealed from the United States District Court, Northern District of Iowa.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Did the defendant commit bribery of a witness?

Defendant was convicted of bribery.  He appealed.  He contended that the evidence was insufficient to prove that he intended to influence the testimony of a witness.   The Minnesota Court of Appeals held that the bribery statute, § 609.42, subd. 1(d), does not require that they would be bribee be subpoenaed as a witness in an upcoming, scheduled proceeding, and that it includes prospective or contemplated witnesses, as well as those who have been served a subpoena to testify.  Affirmed.

State v. Kalland, A19-1228, Renville County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Did the evidence establish conspiracy to commit theft?

Defendant was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft.  On appeal, defendant contended that the circumstantial evidence was not sufficient to prove conspiracy to commit theft.  The Minnesota Court of Appeals noted that the evidence showed that defendant and another walked around a store, put items in a cart while talking to each other, put items into a backpack, left the store together with the backpack, and then jointly returned to the store after seeing a police officer and hid the backpack.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals held that the evidence was consistent with guilt and inconsistent with the hypothesis that defendant was planning to commit theft alone.

State v. Krabbenhoft, A19-0817, Clay County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Whether defendant’s sentence in federal court for sale of stolen firearms was correct?

Defendant was convicted of conspiring to sell stolen firearms.  He appealed his sentence.  The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that (1) there was adequate support in the record for a firearms trafficking enhancement, and (2) that the District Court had properly denied a reduction for acceptance of responsibility because he later attempted to deny at sentencing what he admitted in the plea agreement.  Affirmed.

United States v. Anderson, 19-3106, per curiam.  Appealed from the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Whether the offenses of theft by swindle and theft by false representation were not the same behavioral incident?

Defendant was convicted and sentenced for convictions of one (1) count of theft by swindle and five (5) counts of theft by false representation.  On appeal, defendant argued that the trial court erred when it treated several of the convictions as separate offense instead of part of the same behavioral incident.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals concluded that the convictions did not arise our of the same behavioral incident, noting that they involved claims that defendant submitted on behalf of a personal care provider organization in 2013, 2014, and 2015.  Affirmed.

State v. Williams, A19-1352, Hennepin County.

Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Upon arrest, a defendant requesting that officer retrieve his shoes gives officer right to be in house and observe items under plain view doctrine.

Defendant was convicted of theft in the County of Crow Wing, State of Minnesota.  He argued that the search of his apartment was unconstitutional on the grounds that the warrant was issued upon unconstitutionally obtained information.

Defendant had asked the officer to retrieve his shoes from the apartment, and permitted the officers to enter the apartment to find his keys, and told the officer where the items were located.  The Minnesota Court of Appeals concluded that the officer’s observation of the stolen drone in defendant’s apartment was properly included in the warrant under the plain view doctrine.  Affirmed.

State v. Dircks, A19-1434, Crow Wing County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

Whether incriminating, but lawful prior conduct, is not inadmissible Spreigl evidence?

Defendant was convicted of identity theft, in the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota.  Defendant appealed.  Defendant argued that the trial court erred by admitting evidence of a bad act occurring after the charged offense.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals noted that under Minnesota law, the use or possession of a scanning or re-encoder device that can re-encode magnetic strips on credit cards is unlawful only wen couple with the intent to commit, aid, or abet unlawful activity, defendant possession of the encoder did not constitute Spreigl evidence.  Affirmed.

State v. Abdirahaman, A19-1091, Ramsey County.

Lawyer Lynne Torgerson was not attorney of record in this case.

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