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Theft in Minnesota

Theft is a serious crime that can have lasting consequences. In Minnesota, theft can refer to a range of unlawful acts such as stealing personal property, embezzlement, or fraud. The state of Minnesota takes these offenses seriously and punishes perpetrators with a range of consequences including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. A theft conviction can have long-term implications on someone’s ability to secure employment and even housing.

What are theft offenses in MN?

Theft is generally defined as taking another person’s property without their consent and with the intention to permanently deprive them of the item taken.

There are a variety of acts that constitute theft in Minnesota. Here’s a sample* of such acts:

  • Intentionally (and without the right to do so) taking, using, transferring, hiding or keeping someone else’s movable property without the owner’s consent and with intent to permanently deprive them of possession of the property.
  • Obtaining property or services through the use of deception.
  • Finding lost property and, while knowing or having reasonable means to find out the owner, keeping the property or giving it to someone else without first making a reasonable effort to find the owner and give them the property.

What are the penalties for Theft?

The penalties for theft depend on the character and/or value of the property that was stolen. Here are some samples* of penalties for theft:

  • If the value of the property or services is more than $35,000 or if the property stolen is a firearm: Imprisonment for up to 20 years and/or fines up to $100,000.
  • If the value of the property or services was more than $5,000 or if the property stolen was a trade secret, explosive, or Schedule I or II controlled substance (not including marijuana): Imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or fines up to $20,000.
  • If the value of the property or services is more than $500 but not more than $1,000: Imprisonment for up to 1 year and/or fines up $3,000.
  • If the value of the property or services is $500 or less: Imprisonment for up to 90 days and/or fines up to $1,000.