Theft Charges Defense Lawyer

Defending State and Federal Charges in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Theft charges range in seriousness from petty offense, which may – but don’t always – include shoplifting to sophisticated bookkeeping, accounting, bad check and identity fraud issues.

A petty offense in Minnesota is not a crime. Similarly in Wisconsin a forfeiture and deferred prosecutions are not convictions. BUT, even a minor theft charge may affect an employer’s hiring decision. Thefts are acts of dishonesty even if they don’t result in criminal convictions. Any record is a bad record if there is an allegation of theft or some dishonest act. Dismissed and vacated charges may still be available as public records. Do not act too hastily in resolving a theft-related crime.