Understanding Shoplifting: A Legal Perspective
By Sullivan Rice
Shoplifting is one of the most common criminal charges in Minnesota and across the country. While often considered a “minor” offense, it can carry serious legal and personal consequences. At Jack Rice Defense, we believe in providing strong, compassionate representation for individuals charged with shoplifting—because every case has a story, and every person deserves to be heard.
What Is Shoplifting?
Shoplifting is legally categorized as a form of theft—specifically, the act of taking merchandise from a retail store without paying for it. Under Minnesota law, theft charges, including shoplifting, fall under Minnesota Statute § 609.52, which outlines various degrees of theft based on the value of the stolen items.
The consequences of a shoplifting conviction vary:
Under $500: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
$500–$1,000: Gross misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Over $1,000: Felony, potentially years in prison and higher fines.
Why It Happens
Many people assume shoplifting is a crime of greed—but in our experience, that’s rarely the case. Clients we’ve worked with have faced immense personal stress: poverty, addiction, mental health challenges, or domestic abuse. Others are young people who made a one-time mistake or were wrongfully accused.
We’ve also seen people arrested for shoplifting because of a misunderstanding or racial profiling. Surveillance errors, false alarms, or miscommunication can lead to arrests that never should’ve happened.
Your Rights and Your Defense
If you're accused of shoplifting, do not panic—but do take it seriously. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. At Jack Rice Defense, we conduct a full review of the circumstances. Did store security follow proper protocol? Was the arrest lawful? Were you coerced or profiled? We explore every angle.
Depending on your record and the details of your case, we may fight for:
Dismissal of the charges,
Diversion programs for first-time offenders,
Alternative sentencing like community service,
Or reduced charges to avoid a permanent criminal record.
More Than a Case—A Human Being
We understand that for many of our clients, a shoplifting charge is not just a legal issue—it's a deeply personal one. It can affect employment, housing, education, and even family court outcomes. That’s why we take a trauma-informed approach. We don’t just represent you in court—we advocate for your humanity.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is facing shoplifting charges, we encourage you to reach out. With decades of criminal defense experience, Jack Rice Defense is ready to fight for your rights and restore your voice in the legal process.
At Jack Rice Defense, you are not your charges—you are a person with dignity, deserving of respect and a second chance.
