No, any theft in Minnesota is at least a misdemeanor level offense. Often, people use the term “petty theft” to refer to the lowest level of theft. However, in Minnesota, theft charges are either a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony. The lowest level, theft of property or services valued at $500 or less, is considered a misdemeanor theft. The penalties for misdemeanor theft in Minnesota include up to 90 days of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000. Most misdemeanor theft charges stem from shoplifting incidents, such as “skip scanning.”
In Minnesota, the offense level for theft charges depends on the value of the property involved. The type of property stolen, the circumstances involved, and the individual’s prior theft record may also impact the severity of the penalty.
The term “petty theft,” when used by court administrators, attorneys, and judges, creates confusion, leading people to believe the penalty is a mere fine. Despite the commonly used term, a low-level theft charge still has serious consequences, especially for employment and housing purposes. It is important that anyone charged with theft speaks with an attorney about their situation before making any decisions in court.