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Taking property from a person or business can lead to theft charges. The severity of the charges you face will depend on the monetary value of the property in question. However, any theft charge is a serious crime with the potential of many negative consequences for your future.
Even a conviction for stealing an item with little value can cause you problems in your personal and professional life for many years to come. If you face these serious charges, reach out to a St. Louis Park theft lawyer. A dedicated defense attorney could assess your case and help you build your tailored defense.
There are many different types of theft charges. Some acts that could result in an arrest for theft include:
While some of these potential charges are more severe than others, any conviction on your permanent record could cause many problems, including difficulty gaining new employment. Regardless of the nature of one’s charges, a seasoned St. Louis Park theft attorney could help build a solid defense.
Every theft case is unique and has its own set of circumstances. However, there are options to avoid a conviction. That is especially the case for those facing a first-time theft conviction.
A skilled attorney could scrutinize the theft charges and review the state’s evidence against the defendant. If there is proof that the defendant did not intentionally steal an item, this could serve as a defense. Whatever the case may be, hiring a skilled legal professional could help ensure a positive outcome.
As a St. Louis Park theft attorney could explain, there are severe punishments a person may face in cases of theft. According to Minnesota Statutes § 609.52, a person the criminal court finds guilty of the crime of theft could face the following penalties.
A person guilty of theft of property worth less than $500 faces up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. The charge will also leave a misdemeanor conviction on the person’s permanent criminal record.
An individual guilty of property theft valuing $500 to $1,000 faces up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines. They will also receive a misdemeanor on their criminal record.
A person guilty of theft valuing between $1,000 and $35,000 faces a felony conviction on their permanent record. Up to $5,000, they will serve up to five years in jail and $5,000 in fines. If the value is $5,000 to $35,000, they face up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
A conviction of stealing property valued at over $35,000 can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. This charge is the most severe, and an individual convicted will also receive a felony on their permanent criminal record.
If you are facing criminal theft allegations, it is crucial that you take these charges seriously. A theft conviction will affect your way of life for years to come.
For any kind of theft charge, it is always a good idea to reach out to a skilled legal professional right away. Schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis Park theft lawyer to learn more about your defense options.