Expert lawyer for theft- Your Trusted Legal Partner

If you are charged with a theft-related offense, the prosecution has alleged that you intentionally, without claim of right, took another person’s property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of the possession of the property. If the value of the property taken is $500.00 or less, the offense is classified as misdemeanor theft. If the value of the property is more than $500.00 but less than $1,000.00, the offense is a gross misdemeanor. If the value of the property is $1,000.00 or more, the charge is felony theft. Please remember, a criminal charge is only an allegation made by a prosecutor who may not know all the facts and who may not be able to prove the case. An experienced theft defense attorney or lawyer for theft can help. The fact that you are have been charged with a theft offense is not considered evidence against you. The law presumes that you are innocent of committing a theft offense! Before you can even be convicted, the prosecution must prove all of the elements of the theft offense beyond a reasonable doubt. All of the jurors must agree that you are guilty before you can be found guilty.

What are the defenses to a criminal theft charge? A skilled lawyer for theft will focus on the defenses of lack of intent, mistaken identity, inflated property value, invalid search warrant, and lack of probable cause to believe you committed the offense.

Are there any plea bargains that won’t result in a criminal conviction? Yes, it may be possible for a criminal defense attorney to steer the case out of criminal court and into a theft offender diversion program. Another alternative is to negotiate a stay of adjudication which means that you plead guilty to the theft offense but the court does not accept the plea. If you successfully complete probation, the guilty plea is vacated and the charge dismissed without a criminal conviction. You need an aggressive theft defense lawyer.

If you or someone you know needs the assistance of an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney, call Robert J. Shane, any time, day or night, at (612) 339-1024, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Theft in Minnesota – Understanding Common Theft Crimes

The crime of theft can include several specific crimes such as embezzlement, theft by swindle, larceny, and theft by pretenses. Theft usually involves the wrongful and intentional taking, concealing, retaining possession, or the use of movable property belonging to another without their consent. The crime of theft requires that a defendant intend to permanently deprive the owner of possession of the property. If you are facing a criminal charge, you need a lawyer for theft in Minnesota.

Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property
This theft crime occurs when a person receives, possesses, transfers, buys or conceals property that is either stolen or received during a robbery. The state is required to prove that the defendant “knows or has reason to know” that the property possessed was stolen. The severity of the criminal charge, from misdemeanor to felony, increases with the value of the property stolen. The concealment of stolen property involves “hiding or secreting” and can also involve aiding a thief in changing or converting the property to make it unlikely that the true owner would discover it. The prosecution does not have to prove the defendant conspired with the theft in some way or even knew the identity of the thief. This is a serious charge that requires a lawyer for theft.

Aiding and Abetting the Thief
A defendant may also be charged with aiding and abetting a thief and can be held criminally liable for the same crime committed by the thief when the defendant “aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires” with the thief to commit the crime. You may need the services of a lawyer for theft in Minnesota when charged with aiding and abetting a theft.

Issuance of a Worthless Check
It is a crime to issue a worthless check if the person who drafted the check never intended that it be paid. The prosecution can prove this crime by convincing a jury the issuer of the check, for example,  did not have a checking account or there were insufficient funds in the account at the time the check was issued. A person cannot be charged with this crime if the check was posted. The law requires that a notice of dishonor be sent to the maker of the check by certified mail. You should consult a lawyer for theft when charged with the issuance of a worthless check.