Theft
Taking someone else's property without their permission and with the intent to permanently keep it.
Theft is intentionally taking or keeping someone else’s property without their consent and without intending to return it. Minnesota law covers many types of theft, including shoplifting, taking property from a person, receiving stolen property, writing bad checks, and swindling. Theft also includes using deception to obtain property or services and failing to return rented or borrowed property.
The severity of a theft charge in Minnesota depends primarily on the value of the stolen property. Theft of property worth $500 or less is a misdemeanor. Theft of property worth more than $500 but less than $5,000 is a gross misdemeanor. Theft of property worth $5,000 or more is a felony. Certain types of theft, like theft from a vulnerable adult, carry enhanced penalties regardless of the value.
Why it matters: A theft conviction can appear on background checks and affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Even misdemeanor shoplifting charges can have significant consequences. Understanding the value thresholds helps you understand the seriousness of potential charges.
Example: A person shoplifts items worth $300 from a store. They are charged with misdemeanor theft. If convicted, they face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, plus a requirement to pay restitution to the store.
Criminal charges, shoplifting, stolen property, identity theft, employee theft