Charged with Shoplifting at Walmart in Minnesota? Here's What You Need to Know
Facing a shoplifting charge at Walmart in Minnesota can be frightening, frustrating, and deeply embarrassing. Whether you were stopped at the St. Paul, Roseville, Vadnais Heights, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Woodbury, Fridley, Eagan, or any of the other Twin Cities locations, you are now dealing with a criminal charge that could impact your job, your housing, and your future.
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve successfully represented individuals across Minnesota accused of shoplifting from Walmart and other large retailers. We understand the system, and we know how to fight back.
📞 Call Jack Rice Defense at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339 for a free and confidential consultation.
Shoplifting at Walmart Is a Criminal Offense in Minnesota
Under Minnesota Statute § 609.52, shoplifting is classified as theft—a crime that prosecutors take seriously. What may have started as a misunderstanding or momentary lapse in judgment can lead to serious legal consequences.
“We’re based in St. Paul and have been defending Minnesotans for decades. Shoplifting cases often come down to questions of character—honesty, intent, and integrity. And once a charge hits your record, it can follow you for years.”
— Jack Rice
What Is Considered Shoplifting at Walmart?
Shoplifting doesn't just mean walking out the door with unpaid merchandise. In Minnesota, shoplifting can include any of the following:
Hiding items in bags, under clothing, or in carts
Removing or switching price tags
Attempting to return items that weren’t purchased
Failing to scan items or under-ringing them at self-checkout
Tampering with product packaging
Even small items can lead to major consequences.
Penalties for Shoplifting in Minnesota
The severity of your charges—and the potential penalties—will depend on the value of the items and whether you have any prior offenses:
🔹 Misdemeanor Theft – Value under $500
Up to 90 days in jail
Fines up to $1,000
🔹 Gross Misdemeanor Theft – Value between $500 and $1,000
Up to 1 year in jail
Fines up to $3,000
🔹 Felony Theft – Value over $1,000 or repeat offenses
Up to 5 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000
Beyond jail time and fines, a theft conviction can stay on your criminal record, affecting job prospects, housing, and more.
Possible Defenses to Walmart Shoplifting Charges
Just because you've been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. We will carefully investigate the facts and identify all available defenses, including:
Lack of Intent – You forgot to pay or made a mistake
Mistaken Identity – You were misidentified by store security or video footage
Coercion – You were pressured or threatened into the act
Unlawful Detention or Search – Your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest
We’ll challenge the prosecution’s case and work aggressively to get charges reduced—or dismissed entirely.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney—Immediately
“Shoplifting charges can change your life. Having the right defense attorney could be the most important decision you make.”
— Jack Rice
Jack Rice is a former prosecutor and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with decades of experience defending Minnesotans. We understand how Walmart handles theft cases. We know their loss prevention tactics and surveillance procedures—and we know how to challenge them.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Review surveillance footage and internal Walmart reports
Investigate potential violations of your rights
Negotiate with prosecutors for dismissal or diversion
Explore options for expungement to clear your record
Walmart Locations Where We Frequently Defend Clients
We represent individuals accused of shoplifting at Walmart stores throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including:
St. Paul Walmart
Roseville Walmart
Vadnais Heights Walmart
Maple Grove Walmart
Bloomington Walmart
Fridley Walmart
Eagan Walmart
Inver Grove Heights Walmart
Woodbury Walmart
Circle Pines Walmart
Accused of Shoplifting from Walmart? Don’t Wait.
If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting from Walmart, contact Jack Rice Defense today. Early intervention is critical to protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.
📞 Call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339 for a free, confidential consultation.
Jack Rice: The Experience You Need. The Advocate You Deserve.
Jack Rice is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney, former prosecutor, and media legal analyst. He brings decades of courtroom experience and a fierce commitment to defending the accused across Minnesota.
When everything is on the line—your reputation, your record, your future—trust a proven fighter.