Accused of Shoplifting at Ulta Beauty? Here's What You Need to Know
By Sullivan Rice
Being accused of shoplifting at Ulta Beauty can be a frightening and embarrassing experience. Whether you walked out without realizing you missed an item, were wrongly accused, or made a mistake you now regret, you’re not alone—and your life is not over. At Jack Rice Defense, we help people charged with retail theft protect their rights, their record, and their future.
Why Ulta Beauty Cases Are Treated So Seriously
Ulta Beauty stores are known for their high-value merchandise—makeup, fragrance, and skincare products that can add up quickly, even with just a few items. For that reason, Ulta locations often work closely with law enforcement and use advanced surveillance, undercover loss prevention staff, and strict corporate policies to pursue theft charges.
We’ve seen people stopped for:
Accidentally leaving with unscanned items,
Testing or opening products without realizing it was against policy,
Being followed based on appearance or bias,
Or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Some cases involve co-defendants or accusations of organized retail theft, even when the facts are far less serious than the charges suggest.
What Are the Legal Consequences?
In Minnesota, shoplifting is charged under Minnesota Statute § 609.52 (Theft). The penalties depend on the total retail value of the items involved:
Under $500: Misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine)
$500–$1,000: Gross misdemeanor (up to 1 year and/or $3,000 fine)
Over $1,000: Felony (potential prison time and higher fines)
Ulta is also known to send civil demand letters, asking you to pay hundreds of dollars to avoid further civil litigation—even if you never left the store with merchandise.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’ve been cited or arrested for shoplifting at Ulta:
Do not admit guilt to store security or police.
Do not ignore a citation, summons, or civil demand letter.
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Every detail matters: whether you were lawfully detained, how you were approached, what you said (or didn’t say), and what evidence the store actually has. These cases are often beatable—or eligible for diversion—especially for first-time offenders.
Why Choose Jack Rice Defense?
We take a compassionate and strategic approach to defending shoplifting cases. Our goal isn’t just to fight your charges—it’s to protect your dignity, your record, and your future. We will:
Push for dismissals or diversion programs,
Challenge unlawful detentions or aggressive store tactics,
Help you avoid a criminal record through negotiation or expungement,
Support you with resources if you're dealing with mental health, addiction, or financial hardship.
You Are Not the Worst Thing You've Ever Been Accused Of
Many of our clients are students, single parents, retail workers, or individuals going through an incredibly difficult time. A shoplifting charge at Ulta does not define who you are—and it doesn’t have to define where you go next.
📍 Serving clients across the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota
📞 612-227-1339
📩 Free and confidential consultations available
We don’t just defend cases—we defend people. Let us help you move forward.
