Shoplifting Lawyer - Bloomington, MN

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as theft, is one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in the State of Minnesota. 

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, or the case of your loved one, it is essential that you understand that these are real charges that pose serious criminal consequences --- speaking to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney should be your first inclination. 

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Theft charges and the penalties associated with them can range depending on the circumstances involved and the accused's prior criminal history. In any case, if convicted, you can expect fines, possible terms of imprisonment and a criminal conviction on your record. 

A Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer who Fights for You!

At the Rolloff Law Office, you can be confident that I apply every aspect of my experience as a former prosecutor --- as well as my dedication and legal knowledge --- when fighting for you and your future. 

Although shoplifting charges may seem an inconsequential or insignificant offense, these charges pose permanent criminal record issues that can negatively impact your future. 

If you or a loved one is facing allegations for shoplifting, I encourage you to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about the ways in which I can aggressively and intelligently defend you. Call the Rolloff Law Office: (612) 234-1165

Shoplifting & Theft at Mall of America (Explained)

Defending the accused against a Theft or Shoplifting charge in the State of Minnesota requires quick action and effective legal remedies by an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Theft/Shoplifting (Defined)

In Minnesota, a theft crime conviction usually falls into one of three categories:

• Misdemeanor – for theft of property worth below $500; punishment may include 90 days in jail and/or a maximum $1000 fine
• Gross Misdemeanor – for theft of property worth between $500 and $1000; punishment may include one year in jail and/or a maximum $3000 fine
• Felony – for theft of property worth above $1000; punishment may include at least one year in jail up to a lifetime sentence and/or maximum fines indicated by Minnesota Law

Any of these charges pose a serious threat to your liberties, personal relationships and livelihood and it’s in your best interest to have a Theft Crime Defense Attorney by your side to help you understand the legal consequences of your case and implement a legal defense that may help you avoid severe penalties.

The Rolloff Law Office been handling the defenses of Theft and Shoplifting crimes in the Twin Cities and all over Minnesota for years. Among the cases we’ve handled include:

• Shoplifting
• Robbery
• Stealing
• Mail Fraud
• Bank Fraud
• Check Fraud
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Credit Card Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Internet Fraud

And, as a former state prosecutor, I have a profound understanding of the Minnesota legal system and how it deals with criminal matters. With a prosecutor’s trained eye, I can see through each case and identify, plan and carry out effective legal strategies on issues like search and seizures, evidentiary and Miranda issues.

When you entrust your case to us, you’ll enjoy full legal representation, from incisive discussions about your case so you have complete knowledge of where you stand to legal counsel any time of day, any day of the week.  Call for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

Theft & Shoplifting - Bloomington (Explained)

A Theft and/or Shoplifting charge in Minnesota can be one of the more severe and harshest crimes when compared to similar level criminal offenses.  Not only can a conviction stay with you for the rest of your life... it can have a major impact on your employment/job prospects, your housing options, and it can stain your name forever. For that reason, it is important to take the time to understand some of the basics surrounding Minnesota Theft crimes. As an experienced Minnesota Theft Crimes Defense Attorney, I have answers (and solutions) for the most commonly asked theft offense questions and cases.  Let me put my experience as a Prosecutor to work for you to help you with a basic understanding of Minnesota Theft offenses, as well as possible Theft defenses.

Just because you have been charged doe not mean you have to plead guilt and/or that you will be convicted.  

Call the Rolloff Law Office - today - to set up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165

Minnesota Shoplifting Attorney

If you have been arrested or cited for Shoplifting – you may think the situation is bad.  However, don’t just give up and assume there is nothing to do.  You’re facing a possible Theft charge that can have devastating effects on your future.

In a shoplifting case, like any other, an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney should look at a case from three ways:


1. Do you have any factual defenses?

Assuming everything in the police reports is true and accurate, does it all add up to the elements of the charge you’re accused of?  If you’re charged with theft, can they prove that you had the specific intent to steal?  How can they overcome whether or not it was an accident or mistake on your part?  I know these are subtle distinctions, but they are necessary elements of the crime the government must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

From there, we know that the reports are not always 100% accurate.  What in the report doesn't add up?  Are times, sequences or witness statements conflicting with each other?  Are there obvious errors in what happened that can be easily torn apart? When I consult with my clients, we review the facts of the case down to the smallest detail to see where the gaps in the case are.

2. Do you have any legal defenses?

Because most shoplifting cases involve a “private person’s arrest” (sometimes called a “citizen’s arrest”) by the store personnel, they are not necessarily under the same rules as the police.  Under the law of the State of Minnesota, they do have a right to detain a person they suspect of shoplifting.  If they search you, they don’t have to have a warrant or probable cause like the police do.  But that doesn't mean that they can do whatever they want.  The store loss prevention officers (a.k.a. security) must still act within the law and appropriately.  I have had cases where the loss prevention agents spied into dressing rooms – a clear violation of criminal law.  This can absolutely be used to our advantage in your defense.  Similarly, if the store security guards used excessive force, that can lead to a tremendous advantage to you either in negotiating your case or fighting it at trial.

From there, the actions by the police – Miranda warnings, searches or other police procedures can factor into how to defend your case.

3. If the facts and the law are against you, how can we best protect you?

Assuming the facts and the law are stacking up against you, what can be done?  Often, there can be alternative dispositions worked out, hopefully to avoid a conviction for a misdemeanor theft offense.  Diversion, deferred entry of judgment, reduction to a misdemeanor or non-theft related charge are all potential outcomes.  

Every case is unique, but by working with the Rolloff Law Office, well before your court date, there are things we can do to help put you in the best possible position for a good outcome in your case when we go to court.

Don’t wait until the last minute before you are due to appear in court.  Give call the Rolloff Law Office today to set up a free consultation: (612) 234-1165.