Bloomington Theft Attorney

Theft Lawyer In Bloomington, MN

Dealing with a theft charge in Bloomington or anywhere else in the Twin Cities can turn your life upside down. Whether it is a misdemeanor charge from a shoplifting incident at the Mall of America or a robbery charge in a residential area like Kenmare Shores, you need a Bloomington theft attorney on your side. Facing these charges alone can result in harsh penalties, including fines, jail time, and having a criminal record. Instead, turn to the team at Santana Law.

At Santana Law, our founding attorney comes with years of criminal law experience including acting as a prosecutor. Thanks to this experience, he has the legal know-how when it comes to effectively fighting these charges and is passionate about doing everything in his power to ensure you receive the most successful outcome available to you. Fluent in Spanish, Santana Law is here to serve clients from all walks of life and is ready to offer you trustworthy and honest counsel.

Defining Theft Charges in Bloomington

In Bloomington, theft can encompass a wide range of criminal offenses, from shoplifting to embezzlement to burglary and robbery charges. The severity of the charge you find yourself facing will depend on the value of the property that has been allegedly stolen and other circumstances involved in your case and arrest. The most common theft charges that require a Twin Cities theft defense include the following:

• Identity theft. This is a common crime across Minnesota and occurs when an individual, in a knowing manner, assumes the identity of another person by using their identification information. This information can include the name of the victim, their Social Security number, their credit card number, or other personal details. The purpose of identity theft is to defraud, such as using another’s credit card to make purchases.
• Shoplifting. Another common theft crime in the Twin Cities, thanks to the massive tourism draw of the Mall of America, shoplifting is the criminal act of taking merchandise from a retail store without actually paying for it. This offensive can encompass a wide range of merchandise properties, including smaller items, such as candy or toys, to items of larger value, such as jewelry, clothing, or electronics.
• Embezzlement. This crime tends to occur in the business and financial sectors in the downtown of the Twin Cities. Embezzlement occurs when an individual allegedly steals or mishandles monetary funds that have been entrusted to them by either their employer or another entity, such as a client or charity organization. In this crime, the offender withholds funds and converts them for their own personal gain.
• Fraud. In Bloomington, there are several different forms of fraud crimes that can occur. The most common fraudulent actions include mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, or telemarketing fraud. This is a serious crime in Minnesota, and an individual with a conviction can face severe penalties.
• Burglary. In Bloomington, burglary is a serious offense that happens when an individual allegedly enters the property of another without permission with the intent to commit a crime of theft. This is typically charged as either a felony or gross misdemeanor, depending on the exact nature and circumstances of the offense. In addition to criminal penalties, the offender may face civil penalties from the owner.
• Robbery. This charge is a violent theft offense in the Twin Cities area and happens when an individual employs the use of threat of force or actual force in order to take property owned by another individual. This can include actions of assault with the intent to rob, carjacking, and armed robbery. This is considered a felony charge in Minnesota, and if a deadly weapon is used during the robbery, the penalties can become extreme.
• Theft by swindle. This crime can occur when the alleged offender uses false representation, trickery, or deceit to secure another’s property. This can include fake investment opportunities or Ponzi schemes. This crime tends to be classified as a felony charge, and the higher the value of property involved, the higher the penalties.
• Motor vehicle theft. This is a serious theft offense in Bloomington and can end in severe penalties. This charge can occur when an individual allegedly takes or uses a motor vehicle belonging to another individual without their permission. This is a felony charge in the Twin Cities area, and an individual may face criminal and civil penalties if the owner of the vehicle files a claim for damages or other losses.

Common Penalties for Twin Cities Theft Charges

In most theft charge cases, the penalties that you can face will be based on the value of property involved in your arrest. These penalties can include the following:

• Imprisonment for no more than 20 years, a fine of no more than $100,000, or both if the property is a firearm or the value of the property or services stolen is more than $35,000
• Imprisonment for no more than 10 years, a fine of no more than $20,000, or both if the value of the property or services stolen exceeds $5,000 or if the property represented a trade secret or included an explosive device
• Imprisonment for no more than five years, a fine of no more than $10,000, or both if the value of the property or services stolen is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000; the property included a controlled substance under Schedule III, IV, or V; and/or the value of the property is more than $500 but no more than $1,000, if the convicted individual has been convicted within the last 5 years of a similar offense
• Imprisonment for no more than one year, a fine of no more than $3,000, or both if the value of the property involved is more than $500 but no more than $1,000
• Imprisonment for no more than 90 days and a fine of no more than $1,000 if the property stolen is valued at no more than $500

Don’t Let a Criminal Charge Rob Your Future: Contact Santana Law Today

If you are facing theft charges in Bloomington and the greater area surrounding the Twin Cities, contact Santana Law today. As a criminal defense lawyer with former prosecutor experience, we have experience with the Hennepin County Government Center and are ready to fight for the protection of your rights and freedoms.

Bloomington, Minnesota – Theft Defense Overview

In Bloomington, theft offenses—ranging from petty theft (under $500) to more serious shoplifting and fraud—are prosecuted in the Hennepin County District Court. Penalties vary: petty misdemeanors generally lead to fines, while gross misdemeanors like larger-value theft can carry up to 364 days in jail and $3,000 in fines. Defense strategies often focus on contesting intent, value thresholds, and police procedures to minimize charges and avoid incarceration.

Minnesota law classifies theft based on property value (Minn. Stat. § 609.52):

• Petty Misdemeanor: $500 or less → up to 90 days jail or $1,000 fine.

• Gross Misdemeanor: $500–$1,000 → up to 364 days jail or $3,000 fine.

• Felony Theft: over $1,000 with escalating penalties—up to 5 years prison/$10,000 fine (for $1K–$5K); 10 years/$20,000 (for $5K–$35K); and 20 years/$100,000 if value exceeds $35K or if a firearm is involved.

Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act, effective January 1, 2025, introduces automatic expungement of many nonviolent offenses, including qualifying theft convictions, after a crime-free period—no petition required. However, implementation has been cautious: the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is phasing in record reviews through.

Under this law, theft convictions in Bloomington may soon be sealed automatically, improving prospects for housing and employment. A Bloomington theft defense attorney can not only challenge charges but also help clients track waiting periods, ensure compliance, and capitalize on record-sealing opportunities in Hennepin County court.