Charged with Shoplifting at Target in Roseville, St. Paul, North St. Paul, West St. Paul, Highland Park, Vadnais Heights, or Shoreview? Here's What You Need to Know
Facing a shoplifting charge at a Target store in Minnesota can feel frightening, frustrating, embarrassing and even devastating—whether it happened in St. Paul, at the Highland Park location, the Roseville SuperTarget, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, West St. Paul or anywhere across the east metro. At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve represented countless individuals accused of retail theft and know exactly how to fight these charges and protect your future.
📞 Call us today at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339 for a free and confidential consultation.
Shoplifting at Target Is a Criminal Offense in Minnesota
Under Minnesota Statute § 609.52, shoplifting is classified as a theft crime and prosecuted accordingly. What might feel like a minor mistake or misunderstanding can lead to serious criminal consequences—especially if you're accused of stealing from a major retailer like Target.
“We are based in St. Paul and have been defending clients here since before the turn of the century. Shoplifting charges are really about character—integrity and honesty. And once a charge hits your record, it can haunt you for years.”
— Jack Rice
This isn’t just about a citation or a warning. These charges can impact your job, your housing, and your reputation.
What Counts as Shoplifting at Target?
You don’t have to physically exit the store to be charged with theft. Minnesota law recognizes a wide range of shoplifting behavior, including:
Hiding merchandise in bags, pockets, or under clothing
Altering or switching price tags
Returning items you didn’t purchase for cash or store credit
Tampering with packaging or using self-checkout to under-ring items
Even small items can result in big legal problems.
Penalties for Shoplifting in Minnesota
The value of the merchandise—and whether you have a criminal history—can significantly affect the charges and penalties you face:
🔹 Misdemeanor Theft – Items under $500
Up to 90 days in jail
Up to $1,000 in fines
🔹 Gross Misdemeanor Theft – Items between $500 and $1,000
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to $3,000 in fines
🔹 Felony Theft – Items over $1,000 or repeat offenses
Up to 5 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines
Beyond the penalties, a conviction may appear on background checks—harming your ability to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses.
Shoplifting Defenses We May Use
Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. At Jack Rice Defense, we’ll thoroughly evaluate the case against you and explore possible defenses, such as:
Lack of Intent: You genuinely forgot to pay or made a mistake.
Mistaken Identity: Loss prevention staff or video footage may be unreliable.
Duress or Coercion: You were pressured into the act.
Unlawful Search or Seizure: Your rights may have been violated during the investigation or arrest.
We will examine all of the facts, challenge weaknesses in the case, and fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney—Now
“Shoplifting charges can be life-changing. Having the right attorney on your side could be the most important decision you make.”
— Jack Rice
We understand the legal system. We understand Target's internal policies and loss prevention procedures. Most importantly, we understand how to protect your rights. Our defense team will:
Analyze Target surveillance footage and loss prevention reports
Investigate whether your rights were violated
Negotiate with prosecutors for charge reduction or dismissal
Fight for a clean slate through diversion or expungement, when possible
Target Stores Where We Frequently Defend Clients
Jack Rice Defense represents clients accused of shoplifting at Target locations across Ramsey County and surrounding areas, including:
Target Roseville
Target Highland Park (St. Paul)
Target Midway (St. Paul)
Target North St. Paul
Target West St. Paul
Target Shoreview
Target Vadnais Heights
Don’t Face These Charges Alone
If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting at a Target store in the Twin Cities metro, time matters. The sooner we get involved, the better your chances of protecting your record—and your future.
📞 Call Jack Rice Defense at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
✅ Free. Confidential. No obligation.
Jack Rice is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney with decades of experience defending clients across Minnesota. When your freedom and reputation are at stake, trust a former prosecutor who knows how the system works—and how to fight it.
