What should you do if you are charged with theft in Minnesota?
There are three (3) levels of possible theft charges in the state courts of the State of Minnesota.
The lowest level of a theft related charge is a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor theft charge in the State of Minnesota is up to 90 days in jail and a $1000.00 fine.
The next level of a theft related charge is gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a gross misdemeanor theft charge in the State of Minnesota is up to 1 year in jail, and a $3000.00 fine.
The next level of a theft related charge is a felony. Where a theft crime can be punished by one (1) year and one (1) day or more, the charge is a felony.
The level is largely determined by the amount of money involved, or, the value of the property involved. If the amount of money involved is small, or, the value of the property is relatively little, then the charge is likely to be a misdemeanor. If the amount of money involved is large, or the value of property significant, then the charge will likely be a felony.
The most common type of theft related case is shoplifting. The first time someone is charged with shoplifting, a good lawyer is likely going to be able to keep this off your record, and have you complete some sort of theft prevention class.
Please be aware that retail stores have cameras, and loss prevention specialists. Generally, they are very good at what they do. They have seen all sorts of theft schemes, and can often predict what people are going to do, before they do it.
A more difficult type of case to deal with is where retail employees commit theft from their employer, such as Target, or the like. Again, large retail companies have cameras and loss prevention specialists, and, keep track of inventory, so generally speaking, if a person is committing theft from their employer, they will get caught. Theft from employers is frowned upon.
The next most common type of theft is financial transaction card fraud. This, generally, is always a felony.
A more serious type of theft is burglary. Burglary involves entering a building, without consent, with the intent to commit a crime therein. A building can include a garage, a business, or a dwelling. It is always more serious if a person burglarizes a dwelling. Even more serious is if a person is present, who is not an accomplice. Historically, the sentence for a burglary of a dwelling, First Degree Burglary, is an automatic prison sentence.
When a person is charged with theft or theft related crime, the case needs to be handled with care. If a person has a theft conviction, they are going to have a long term collateral consequence of probable difficulty in obtaining employment. Particular difficulty will be had in obtaining employment with companies like banks, or, anywhere you have to deal with money, such as a cashier, a convenience store, etc.
For representation on a theft related charge, it is important to hire a good Theft Charges lawyer as soon as possible. Lynne Torgerson, Esq. is such a good criminal defense lawyer. She knows what she is doing, and does it well. For help with your case, call expert Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Lynne Torgerson today! (612) 339-5073