Mankato Grand Theft Lawyer

If you face grand theft charges in Minnesota, you deserve compassionate, high-quality representation that will fight for you and ease your stress. At Knutson + Casey, we understand the impact these charges may have on your future, so we work with you every step of the way to build a customized and effective case.

After receiving grand theft charges, one of the best steps to protect your rights is to contact an experienced Mankato grand theft attorney. Our understanding team will listen to your story and gather evidence to get your charges reduced or, in the best case, dismissed. Due to the complex nature of these cases, we also communicate openly about state laws, potential penalties, and defense strategies.

How Is Theft Defined in Minnesota?

Depending on the value of the items involved in a case and other details, people may receive petty or grand theft charges. In Minnesota, grand theft is defined as anything valued over $500. Grand theft is a more serious charge than petty theft and involves stricter penalties. Some examples of grand theft include the following:

• Larceny: This charge involves stealing someone’s personal property.
• Robbery: If the theft involves violence, it may be considered a robbery.
• Fraud: This type of theft involves tricking someone into giving up their property under false pretenses. Embezzlement and counterfeiting fall under this category.
• Identity theft: this form of grand theft occurs when someone steals another person’s identifying information and assumes their identity.

We take every type of theft charge seriously, and with our decades of experience, we have the skills and knowledge to take on any challenge. 

Potential Penalties for Theft in Minnesota

The penalties you face for your charges depend on the value of the items involved and the type of property stolen. Therefore, potential penalties for theft as per Minnesota Statutes §609.52 include the following:

• $500-$1,000: Theft of property between $500 and $1,000 is punishable by less than a year in jail and $3,000 in fines.
• $1,000-$5,000: This offense may include penalties of up to five years in jail and $10,000 fines. Theft of Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances and stealing from a corpse or grave fall into this category.
• Over $5,000: In addition to theft of property worth over $5,000, this category also includes trade secret theft, theft of an explosive device, and theft of Schedule I or II controlled substances. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 fines.
• Over $35,000: This is the most serious theft offense, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. Theft of a firearm and theft involving fraud, deceit, or a vulnerable adult victim are included in this category.

The court also considers your past criminal record and the nature of the crime when assigning penalties in grand theft cases. For example, the court may give you a higher-level charge if this is not your first theft offense. We understand these penalties may seem intimidating, but we fight tirelessly to build a strong case and get your charges reduced or dropped. 

What Defenses Are Used in Theft Cases?

Theft charges may result from misunderstandings, miscommunication, or other honest mistakes. Every theft case is unique, so each one requires specific strategies to achieve a successful outcome. When developing your personalized plan, we will review the details of your story, gather evidence, and utilize the following defenses:

The Right to Ownership

Perhaps when you took the item you are accused of stealing, you thought it was yours. In this case, we may use the right to ownership defense. Our driven Mankato grand theft lawyers may help you gather evidence and develop a detailed explanation as to why the item belongs to you or why you thought it belonged to you.

Entrapment

Entrapment in theft cases occurs when someone influences another person to steal property or use a service and not pay for it. We could use this defense if a police officer influenced you to commit grand theft. If a member of law enforcement sets you up to have you arrested for grand theft, we may help you gather evidence to prove the entrapment and reduce your charges.

Intent to Return

Another possible defense for theft is that you intended to return the property you took or forgot to return it when you finished using it. This may cause the court to reduce your charges and penalties. Our dedicated lawyers may help you obtain evidence to support this defense.

Consult a Trustworthy Mankato Grand Theft Lawyer at Knutson + Casey

When facing theft charges, it’s imperative to contact a high-quality Mankato grand theft attorney right away so that you have the best chance of reducing your charges and penalties. At Knutson + Casey, we take these charges seriously because we understand their potential impact on your career. With the help of our reliable legal team, you do not have to go through the process alone. We handle every aspect of your case and advocate for your rights every step of the way.

Thanks to our 30 years of experience providing effective legal services to the Mankato area, we have the skills and resources to take on your case. We approach every case with big firm power and the attention of one attorney who works with you from start to finish to protect your rights and reduce your charges. We have fought for thousands of clients in the Southern Minnesota area, so let us fight for you, too. Please call us at (507) 344-8888 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.