Duluth Theft Lawyer

While people often think of criminal theft as just the act of physically taking property from another person without their permission, Minnesota state law encompasses a broader range of behaviors prosecuted as “theft.” Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged and convicted of theft for actions such as failing to pay a restaurant bill, mishandling trade secrets, or even keeping someone’s pet without their knowledge. Moreover, depending on the financial value of the item that was allegedly stolen, you could find yourself facing felony-level charges as a result.

No matter what led to you being accused of criminal theft, contacting a skilled criminal defense attorney is a top priority in the wake of such an allegation. Throughout the legal process, a dedicated Duluth theft lawyer could make sure your rights are respected and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

How State Law Categorizes Theft Offenses

Like most other states, Minnesota categorizes theft as either a “misdemeanor” or a “felony,” primarily based on the monetary value of the stolen items and sometimes based on the type of property or how it was allegedly taken. Generally, theft of items valued at less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor, while theft valued at over $1,000 is a felony. The severity of penalties upon conviction may increase or decrease alongside the value of goods, services, or property involved in the offense, as detailed in Minnesota Statutes §609.52.

As a knowledgeable Duluth theft attorney could further explain, certain types of property theft are always considered a felony, irrespective of their value. For example, stealing a firearm of any kind is always a felony, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $100,000 fine upon conviction. Furthermore, if an individual commits gross misdemeanor theft—meaning they stole between $500 and $1,000—after having previously been convicted of either gross misdemeanor theft or felony theft, their subsequent theft offense will be treated as a felony offense, carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction.

Enhanced Penalties for Specific Forms of Theft

In the North Star State, courts and prosecutors handle theft offenses with a nuanced approach. Courts take certain aggravating and mitigating factors into account when determining the penalties for a specific charge. For example, theft directly from someone else’s person—also known as “robbery”—is always considered a felony offense regardless of the actual value of the money or goods allegedly taken.

On top of that, anyone who knowingly receives property worth at least $500 obtained through a robbery or carjacking could also be prosecuted for a felony offense alongside whoever actually committed the robbery or carjacking. A skilled theft lawyer in Duluth could provide more specific details about what aggravating or mitigating factors may affect a specific case.

Discuss Your Defense Options With a Duluth Theft Attorney

Being accused of any kind of theft in Minnesota is a very serious matter. First-time offenders may face multiple years of prison time if they are convicted of a felony theft charge. Additionally, even a misdemeanor conviction could have a dramatically negative impact on your personal and professional prospects.

Fortunately, a seasoned Duluth theft lawyer could help enforce your rights and protect your best interests. Call today to discuss your legal options.