Skilled Lawyers in Minnesota Defending Against Theft Charges
Being charged with theft is serious. The long-term damage to your life, family and job can be enormous because a conviction can lead to serious time behind bars, stiff fines and a lengthy period of probation. You might be fired from your job and find it difficult, if not impossible, to find another good position. Landlords are less likely to rent to you and you may never again be approved for a loan or mortgage.
It does not matter if you are charged with misdemeanor theft or a felony theft, you need to have an experienced theft defense lawyer representing you when questioned by police or in dealing with prosecutors. Call Sieben Edmunds Miller in Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys and St.Paul criminal defense attorneys if you are facing theft charges in Minnesota.
Many Forms of Theft Crimes in Minneapolis & St. Paul
Minnesota law classifies a number of acts as theft, including:
Shoplifting
An illegal connection to cable television or WiFi
Identity theft
Taking, transferring, using or hiding somebody else’s property
Applying for or receiving public assistance when you’re not entitled to it
Making false representations to a bank or credit card company
Whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony theft depends on the specifics of the case and the value of what you are charged with stealing. In both cases, the charge is serious and you must be represented by a serious, experienced theft defense attorney.
Defending You Against a Theft Charge
Every case is unique so we prepare each defense based on the specifics of the allegations and the person who was charged with committing it. At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we begin by investigating the specifics of the charges against you. Frequently, our investigation reveals that you didn’t intend to steal anything or that you may have had a right to the property you’re accused of stealing. We also explore whether the state can actually prove the value of the property to cross the threshold.
A strong defense means we may even hire an investigator to review the evidence and interview key witnesses. We also look at whether the police violated any procedures or your rights in the course of bringing the charges.
Working to Reduce the Penalties You Face
If you are charged with a felony, which is any theft where the value of the stolen property is over $1,000.00 you could face serious fines and jail or prison time. The penalties can be increased by as much as 50% if the prosecution can prove that the victim could have reasonably felt they might be hurt as the crime was committed.
