Minneapolis Theft Lawyers

Top Theft Attorneys in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

A single accusation of theft can alter the trajectory of your life. Whether it is a minor shoplifting incident or a high-stakes white-collar embezzlement charge, a conviction for a theft crime carries long-term consequences that extend far beyond courtroom penalties. In Minnesota, a theft conviction on your criminal record can permanently damage your reputation, jeopardize your current employment, limit future career opportunities, and restrict your housing options.

If you or a loved one is facing theft accusations in the Twin Cities, you do not have to navigate the complex legal system alone. At Tamburino Law Group, our dedicated Minneapolis theft crime attorney is prepared to mount a robust, aggressive legal defense on your behalf. We understand that good people can find themselves in difficult situations, and we are committed to ensuring your side of the story is heard, your rights are protected, and your future is secured. Get a team of former prosecutors on your side.

Schedule a FREE consultation with our Minneapolis theft defense attorneys today.

What is Theft in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.52, theft is defined broadly as intentionally and without claim of right taking, using, transferring, concealing, or retaining possession of the movable property of another without their consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property.

The state’s legal definition encompasses a wide range of conduct beyond simply physical stealing. It includes obtaining property or services through false pretenses, trickery, or fraud. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove two primary elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Actus Reus (The Act): The defendant took or exerted unauthorized control over property that belonged to someone else.
• Mens Rea (The Intent): The defendant acted with the specific intent to deprive the lawful owner of that property permanently.

Petty vs Grand Theft

While some states explicitly divide theft into "petty theft" and "grand theft" categories in their statutory phrasing, Minnesota structures its theft penalties primarily based on the monetary value of the stolen property or services, as well as the specific type of property taken. Generally, the legal community refers to lower-value offenses as petty theft and higher-value offenses as grand theft.

The statutory thresholds in Minnesota dictate how severe the potential penalties will be:

• Property Valued at $500 or Less (Misdemeanor): Often referred to as petty theft, this is the least severe category. It carries a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
• Property Valued Between $501 and $1,000 (Gross Misdemeanor): This tier carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
• Property Valued Between $1,001 and $5,000 (Felony): This enters felony territory. A conviction can result in up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Property Valued Between $5,001 and $35,000 (Felony): Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
• Property Valued Over $35,000 (Felony): The most severe tier, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

It is important to note that certain items—such as firearms, explosives, trade secrets, or controlled substances—are automatically charged as felonies regardless of their actual monetary value. Furthermore, prior theft convictions within a certain timeframe can elevate a misdemeanor charge to a gross misdemeanor or felony.

Common Theft Offenses

At Tamburino Law Group, we represent clients facing an array of theft-related charges in the Minneapolis area. Common offenses include, but are not limited to:

• Shoplifting / Retail Theft: Taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it, altering price tags, or transferring items into different packaging.
• Burglary: Entering a building or dwelling without consent with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft, once inside.
• Robbery: Taking property directly from another person through the use of force, threats, or intimidation. This is treated as a violent crime and carries severe felony penalties.
• Identity Theft: Using another person’s personal identifying information (such as a Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account numbers) without authorization to obtain financial gain, goods, or services.
• Embezzlement and Employee Theft: A white-collar crime involving the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to an individual by an employer or business partner.
• Receiving Stolen Property: Knowingly acquiring, possessing, or concealing property that was stolen by another individual.

Legal Defenses Against Theft Charges

Being charged with theft does not automatically mean you will be convicted. There are several viable legal defenses that an experienced Minneapolis theft crime lawyer can leverage depending on the nuances of your case:

• Lack of Intent: If you accidentally walked out of a store with an item, or genuinely forgot to pay for an object placed in the bottom of your shopping cart, the prosecution cannot prove the mandatory element of criminal intent.
• Claim of Right / Ownership: If you honestly believed the property belonged to you, or that you had a lawful right to possess it at the time, this can negate the theft charge.
• Consent: If the owner of the property gave you permission to use, borrow, or take the property, a theft has not occurred.
• Mistaken Identity: You may have been falsely identified by a witness or misidentified via low-quality security camera footage.
• Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search and seizure to find the property, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence, which often leads to the dismissal of charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first-time shoplifting offense in Minneapolis?

For a first-time offense involving property valued under $500 (a misdemeanor), jail time is rarely the default sentence if you have a clean record. Courts often favor alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs, probation, community service, and restitution. However, jail remains a statutory possibility, which is why having legal representation is vital to secure the best outcome.

Can a theft charge be wiped from my record in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota has expungement laws that allow individuals convicted of certain crimes to seal their records. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor theft offenses, as well as certain lower-level felony thefts, may be eligible for expungement after a specific period has passed without any new offenses.

What is a civil demand letter?

If you are caught shoplifting, the retailer may send you a "civil demand letter" requiring you to pay a monetary penalty (often a few hundred dollars) to cover their administrative costs. Paying this civil demand resolves the store's civil claim against you, but it does not drop or prevent criminal charges filed by the state. Speak to your attorney before making any payments.

How can a Minneapolis theft crime lawyer help me?

An attorney will investigate the circumstances of your arrest, examine the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or a diversion program, and represent you zealously in court if a trial is necessary. Our goal is always to minimize the negative impact on your life and protect your record.

Contact a Minneapolis Theft Crime Attorney Today

Do not let a theft charge dictate the rest of your life. Since we have handled thousands of cases and hundreds of trials, our team at Tamburino Law Group is ready to advocate for your rights, challenge the state's evidence, and guide you through every step of the Minnesota criminal justice process.

Arrested for theft? Contact Tamburino Law Group at (612) 444-5020 for a free case evaluation. Our dedicated Minneapolis theft crime lawyers are ready to defend your case.