{"id":374317,"date":"2018-11-02T11:21:52","date_gmt":"2018-11-02T16:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-11-02T15:48:53","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T20:48:53","slug":"minnesota-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Minnesota Theft Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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. Each state, however, has its own specific definition of acts that constitute theft — called larceny<\/a> in some jurisdictions. While many states have separate statutes addressing specific types of theft, such as shoplifting<\/a> and auto theft, some states – including Minnesota – have a single statute that encompasses all forms of theft.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Theft Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Statutory language usually isn’t written in a clear and straightforward way, which is why reading a summary of the law can be very helpful when looking for the answer to a legal question. In the following chart, you can find an overview of theft laws in Minnesota as well as links to relevant statutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 609. Criminal Code: Section 609.52<\/a> (Theft<\/i>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sample of Acts Constituting Theft<\/b><\/td>\r\n

There are a variety of acts that constitute theft in Minnesota. Here’s a sample* of such acts:<\/p>\r\n

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  • 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.<\/li>\r\n
  • Obtaining property or services through the use of deception.<\/li>\r\n
  • 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.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    *For more acts that constitute theft, please see the statute.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sample Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\n

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:<\/p>\r\n

Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 609. Criminal Code:<\/p>\r\n