If you read our blog yesterday, you’re probably aware that shoplifting is one of the crimes that tends to increase during the holiday season. It makes sense, because the busy shopping malls and bulky winter coats make it easier to conceal an item you haven’t paid for. You might think that the big box stores won’t miss a few items, or you may think it’s a victimless crime, and while there certainly are more heinous crimes than shoplifting, that doesn’t mean the courts will take it easy on you.
If you’re not careful, shoplifting charges can add up in a hurry. Below, we take a closer look at how shoplifters are penalized in Minnesota.
Potential Shoplifting Penalties In Minnesota
The penalties you’ll face for shoplifting in Minnesota will vary based on the total value of the items stolen. Here’s a closer look at the types of crimes based on the value of the items taken.
Under $500 – This is considered a misdemeanor offense, publishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Between $500-$1,000 – This is considered a gross misdemeanor offense, which is a little harsher. This is punishable by up to a year in jail and fines up to $3,000.
Between $1,000-$5,000 – If you steal more than $1,000 worth of items, you’ll face felony charges. This felony is punishable by up to five years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
Between $5,000-$35,000 – This is a more severe felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and fines up to $20,000.
Over $35,000 – This is the most extreme level of shoplifting charges, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
It’s also worth noting that you can be charged with a crime even if you’re not the one who takes the item out of the store. It’s also illegal to receive stolen merchandise from someone else. Even if you don’t explicitly know that the item you’re receiving has been stolen, if a case can be made that you could reasonably assume that the item was illegally obtained, you can face charges.
Finally, you can also have multiple shoplifting charges upgraded to a more serious charge. For example, if you shoplifted $400 worth of goods and got caught, and then three months later you shoplifted a $150 pair of Airpods, instead of charging you with two misdemeanors, the court can add the value of those items together can hit you with a gross misdemeanor charge. You can see how this can easily add up to felony charges.
If you’re facing shoplifting charges, you’re going to need an experienced lawyer in your corner. We can help get the charges reduced or dismissed and prevent oftentimes hefty fines. If you’re facing shoplifting charges because you accidentally left with unpaid merchandise or you caved to peer pressure and made a dumb mistake, reach out to Appelman Law Firm to see how we can help you today. We offer free case reviews, so click here to learn how you can get in contact with our office and set up that meeting.
