Whether trespassing, arson or theft, the Minnesota criminal code addresses a wide array of offenses involving the property of another. If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you can rely on our two decades of experience in successfully representing clients in cases like yours.
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Arson
Arson is the act of deliberately setting fire to property, for any reason. Whether an act of revenge, anger, or even insurance fraud, intentionally causing a fire qualifies as arson. Not all acts of arson are treated equally. The seriousness of an arson charge depends on the various factors involved in the case. The value of the property and the intent of the act are two of the biggest factors in determining the degree of arson.
Burglary
Burglary is the act of unlawfully gaining entry into someone’s property with the intent to commit a criminal act. In most cases, burglary is charged as a felony, so the consequences are very serious. Not all charges of burglary are treated equally by the courts. The degree of burglary will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime.
Criminal Damage to Property
Criminal damage to property, often referred to as vandalism, occurs when an individual causes intentional damage to property. There are many different potential charges involving criminal damage to property. Any case involving the intentional damage of a person’s property can result in vandalism charges. The seriousness of the charges will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of the damage, the motive, and whether or not any bodily harm occurred.
Criminal Trespass
When most people think of trespassing, they think of a simple sign telling people to stay out. However, a criminal trespass charge is no trivial matter. Trespassing is the act of unlawfully going on someone’s property. In many instances, a person charged with criminal trespass didn’t mean any harm.
Robbery
Robbery is a felony crime that occurs when an individual takes another’s property, usually through the use of force, or some other violent means. The penalties for a robbery conviction are harsh, and can have a lifelong impact. Robbery is a violent theft crime that is typically prosecuted aggressively. In the state of Minnesota, robbery is charged as a felony, and carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting may seem like a relatively minor crime, but a conviction can lead to harsh consequences. Not all shoplifting cases are treated equally, but all should be taken seriously.
Theft
Theft is a common crime that can lead to major consequences. Although it may not seem like a serious crime, a conviction for theft can drastically change your life. Theft can occur anytime an individual takes another person’s property, without that person’s consent or knowledge. In most cases, the defendant intentionally takes a possession from another individual in order to make some type of personal gain.