Have You Been Charged With Shoplifting In Minneapolis?
Your first arrest for shoplifting may be a felony; many stores track “regular” shoplifters, people who may take one or two mid-value items at a time, but over time, these items add up to cross the threshold from a petty misdemeanor shoplifting charge to a felony charge. Or, perhaps you were caught changing price tags or not fully scanning everything at the self-checkout lane. No matter how your shoplifting charge occurred, our Minneapolis, MN shoplifting lawyer can help you. We protect your rights and fight to get your charges dismissed or your penalty lessened.
You have the right to hire a lawyer at any time, whether you have just been arrested or have already been charged and are facing a trial. When you work with Archambault Criminal Defense, you benefit from our experience as a prosecutor. We know how the other side operates, what kind of evidence they use to put shoplifters away, and, sometimes, most importantly, when they’re ready to make a deal. Don’t fight alone. Stand up for your rights, starting with the right to an attorney. Call us today for a consultation.
Shoplifting Charges Mean A Permanent Criminal Record. Our Attorneys Protect You.
The penalties for a felony conviction for shoplifting in Minnesota include up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. As a former prosecutor, our lead attorney has a unique perspective to offer clients like you. The effects of a felony conviction for theft could have lifelong implications, including derailing your career. Many employers avoid hiring people with felony theft convictions, which could make it almost impossible to get a job in any kind of finance, retail, or banking field.
Even a misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting can follow you long after being released from jail. If you have a professional license, such as nursing, law, or accounting, a misdemeanor theft charge could jeopardize your license.
Our legal team has decades of combined experience and significant resources to investigate and contest the charges against you. For example, store cameras may not have the best resolution; this is a common way we challenge the prosecutor’s evidence. Or, perhaps you intended to pay for the item, but forgot it in the bottom of a shopping cart or bag. You shouldn’t be punished for a simple mistake. We gather the right evidence to make a strong case for your innocence.
Our Attorneys Help You Avoid A Shoplifting Conviction
Having a guilty plea for shoplifting, especially a felony charge, expunged from your record is costly, with no guarantee of success. The best way to avoid a shoplifting conviction is to hire our savvy Minneapolis shoplifting lawyer right away. As a former prosecutor, we know when the other side is bluffing and may not have the evidence to convict you. We may be able to create a deal with the prosecutor to avoid theft charges.
If you’re found guilty, we can work to mitigate your penalty and avoid jail time. We may also be able to keep the charge off your permanent record or have it disappear after a certain time period so that one mistake doesn’t follow you around for your entire life.
The attorneys at Archambault Criminal Defense can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your shoplifting charge. We are ready to get started today. Call us for a personalized consultation.
Differences Between Misdemeanor And Felony Shoplifting
Shoplifting might seem like a minor charge at first, but in Minnesota, the legal consequences can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Whether a charge is filed as a misdemeanor or felony depends on several key factors, and each carries different risks. Attorney Derick Archambault draws from his 15 years of experience as a Minneapolis, MN shoplifting lawyer as a prosecutor- and uses this to his advantage now to fiercely defend those accused of shoplifting and other crimes. He understands how the other side thinks and operates. This kind of experience can make a big difference when your future is on the line.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, a licensed lawyer can give you legal advice about your particular situation but the following are the basic differences between misdemeanor and felony shoplifting charges in Minnesota:
- The Value Of The Property Taken Matters
In Minnesota, if the value of the stolen property is less than $500, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor. When the value rises above that—especially over $1,000—it can become a felony. The higher the amount, the more serious the charge. - Prior Offenses Can Elevate The Charge
If someone has previous theft-related convictions, even a small-dollar shoplifting charge can be elevated. Repeat offenses often lead to more serious consequences, including felony charges, even when the stolen goods are of low value. - Felony Charges Carry Longer Jail Sentences
A misdemeanor shoplifting conviction might result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine. A felony conviction, on the other hand, can lead to a year or more behind bars, depending on the specifics of the case. The longer sentencing range is one of the most significant differences between the two. - Fines Are More Severe In Felony Cases
In addition to jail time, the court may impose substantial fines. While a misdemeanor fine might be a few hundred dollars, felony fines can reach thousands, especially if restitution is included. - Felonies Have Long-Term Legal Consequences
A felony conviction can impact your ability to get certain jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Misdemeanor convictions are less damaging in the long term, though they still appear on background checks. - Felony Shoplifting Can Involve Additional Charges
If the act of shoplifting involved deception, tampering with security devices, or was part of a larger scheme, prosecutors may add charges like fraud or burglary. This often leads to more serious felony filings. - Court Proceedings Are More Involved For Felonies
Misdemeanor cases generally move through the court system faster. Felony cases involve more hearings, a potential grand jury, and longer timelines. A Minneapolis shoplifting lawyer can walk you through each step and help prepare a strong defense. - Felony Convictions Affect Civil Rights
Unlike misdemeanors, felony convictions in Minnesota can limit your ability to vote, possess firearms, or serve on a jury. These rights may be restored later, but the process takes time and legal action. - Diversion Programs May Be Available For Misdemeanors
First-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges may qualify for diversion programs that allow for dismissal upon completion. These programs are harder to access—or completely unavailable—for felony charges. - Public Perception And Impact On Reputation
A felony record carries a stronger social stigma and can follow someone for years. Employers and community members often react differently to a felony conviction than to a misdemeanor, regardless of the actual circumstances.
Knowing the difference between misdemeanor and felony shoplifting charges is critical if you or someone you know is facing allegations. Both are serious, but felony charges bring much higher risks. Working with a Minneapolis shoplifting lawyer early can help protect your rights and build a defense that focuses on minimizing long-term consequences.
When The Details Matter Most
If you’re facing a shoplifting charge, it’s important to take action right away. The sooner you enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney, the sooner they may be able to start defending you and your rights. Whether the case involves a low-value item or a more serious accusation, we can help you understand your options and decide what to do next. At Archambault Criminal Defense, we bring practical experience to every case, and we know how to challenge the state’s evidence effectively. Attorney Derek Archambault’s background as a prosecutor gives him a clear understanding of how these cases are built—and how to push back. We provide free consultations, and we’re here to help you move forward. Reach out today to speak with a Minneapolis shoplifting lawyer and take the first step toward resolving your case.
