In Minnesota, theft charges are taken seriously, and the penalties for a conviction can be harsh.
If the State charges you with theft, you may wonder, what is the punishment for theft in Minnesota?
Theft offenses in Minnesota can result in charges as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies. The specific incident, dollar amount or loss of value, and any prior convictions will dictate the penalty.
If authorities accuse you or someone you love of a theft offense, you should seek a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Contact the experienced criminal law team at Arechigo & Stokka today to get started!
What You Should Know About The Punishment For Theft In Minnesota
Understanding the punishment for theft in Minnesota starts with knowing how the value of the property and your criminal history affect the charge. Here’s what matters most before your next step.
- The charge depends on value. Theft of property worth $500 or less is typically a misdemeanor, value between $500 and $1,000 is a gross misdemeanor, and anything over $1,000 can be charged as a felony.
- Felony theft carries years in prison. Stealing property worth $1,000 to $5,000 can bring up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while higher-value theft can bring 10 to 20 years and fines up to $100,000.
- Prior convictions can raise the charge. A theft that would normally be a misdemeanor can become a felony if the accused has a recent prior theft conviction.
- A conviction follows you beyond jail time. A theft record can make it harder to find a job, secure housing, get a loan, and in some cases can affect voting or firearm rights.
What Is the Penalty for Theft in Minnesota?
The punishment for theft and potential sentence will depend on whether the State charges you with a misdemeanor or felony.
Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Theft
Misdemeanor theft is broken up into two categories based on the value of the property stolen.
The maximum penalty for misdemeanor theft in Minnesota is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, but first-time offenders rarely serve jail time. Prosecutors prioritize restitution and positive relationships with retailers and the community.
Moreover, if the value of the theft is over $500 but up to $1,000, the offense bumps up to a gross misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.
A Theft Charge Doesn’t Have To Define You
A theft accusation can feel humiliating and overwhelming, whether it was a moment of poor judgment or a misunderstanding entirely. You still have the right to a fair defense, and the choices you make now can shape how this case turns out.
Discuss Your Case TodayFelony Theft
As a general rule in Minnesota, theft is a felony if the value of the stolen property is over $1,000. Felonies, by definition, are crimes that can lead to a year or more in state prison.
If someone steals property worth between $1,000 and $5,000, they can face a five-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
If the property has a value between $5,000 and $35,000, you may face 10 to 20 years in prison, a fine between $20,000 and $100,000, or both:
- An explosive or trade secret,
- A schedule I or II controlled substance, or
- A firearm.
Furthermore, what would otherwise be a misdemeanor theft charge may rise to that of a felony if the accused has a recent prior history of theft.
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Theft Crimes
The term theft actually encompasses many different crimes. Shoplifting merchandise from a store can lead to punishment for theft.
However, theft also includes:
- Stealing services, money, or personal property,
- Swindling or making a false statement or representation,
- Borrowing property such as a car without permission, and
- Renting property or items without paying for them.
As detailed above, the degree of theft will depend on the amount of money or value of the property you allegedly stole.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Theft?
In addition to jail time and fines, other legal consequences of theft follow a theft conviction, including a criminal record.
A tarnished criminal record will make it harder to land a job, obtain a loan, get housing, and become a US citizen (for non-citizens), and could even negatively impact your right to vote or own a firearm.
Don’t risk your reputation and freedom; contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
You Deserve A Defense That Takes This Seriously
Theft charges can escalate quickly, and prosecutors don’t wait. Our attorneys are available around the clock to answer your questions, explain your options, and start building a defense the moment you need one.
Get Immediate Legal HelpContact a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Authorities can harshly punish even petty theft. If authorities charge you with committing theft of any kind, you need skilled counsel on your side.
Our Minnesota criminal defense attorney has years of experience helping clients fight for their freedom.
At the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka, we are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact us today or you can call us at 651-362-4355 to get started.
Punishment For Theft In Minnesota: Common Questions
Punishment depends on the value of the property and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor theft carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, while felony theft of property worth more than $1,000 can bring five years or more in prison.
Theft becomes a felony when the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000. Property valued between $1,000 and $5,000 can bring up to five years in prison, while higher-value theft or certain items like firearms can bring 10 to 20 years.
Yes. A theft that would normally be charged as a misdemeanor can rise to a felony if the accused has a recent prior theft conviction, even when the value of the property involved is low.
Theft covers more than shoplifting. It also includes stealing services, money, or property, making false statements to obtain property, borrowing property such as a car without permission, and renting items without paying for them.
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