Property felony allegations can result in years behind bars, costly penalties, and lasting damage to your reputation. Act quickly from day one and fight for the strongest defense with Martine Law attorneys.
Property Crime Defense Lawyer in Minnesota
MN State Bar Licensed
Judicial Insight
6+
Years Experience
24/7
Available
4,000+
Cases Handled
MINNESOTA LAW
How State Law Classifies Property-Related Felony Charges
Minnesota classifies these felonies by offense type, value involved, prior record, and the specific circumstances of each case.
| Charge | Statute | What It Covers | Max Sentence | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree Burglary | § 609.582 | Entering a dwelling with a weapon or assault occurring inside | 20 yrs / $35k | Felony |
| 2nd Degree Burglary | § 609.582 | Unlawful entry into a building with tools or a prior burglary record | 10 yrs / $20k | Felony |
| 1st Degree Arson | § 609.561 | Intentionally burning a dwelling or occupied structure | 20 yrs / $20k | Felony |
| 1st Degree Theft | § 609.52 | Theft of property or services valued above $35,000 | 20 yrs / $100k | Felony |
| Criminal Damage | § 609.595 | Intentional damage to property exceeding $1,000 in value | 5 yrs / $10k | Felony |
| Receiving Stolen Property | § 609.53 | Knowingly receiving or possessing property obtained through theft | 10 yrs / $20k | Felony |
When a Charge Becomes More Serious
- Property value exceeds felony charge thresholds
- Another person was present during the alleged offense
- Weapon used or displayed during the incident
- Prior theft or property-related conviction exists
- Alleged offense involved a protected location
- Multiple offenses charged within the same case
- An elder or vulnerable person suffered financial loss
Consequences That Go Beyond Jail Time
- Permanent felony record affecting jobs and housing
- Court-ordered restitution payments to property owners
- Loss of firearm rights under state & federal law
- Limits on professional licenses and government employment
- Deportation or denial of immigration benefits possible
- Civil lawsuits seeking additional financial damages
- Loss of public housing & federal benefit eligibility
NOTE: Final sentences depend on offense level, property value, and prior history. A defense attorney can review your record and work toward reduced or dismissed charges.
DEFENSE STRATEGIES
How Our Property Attorneys Build Strong Defenses
We study every report, piece of evidence, and procedural step keenly before your first appearance before a judge.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Property felonies require proof of intent. We challenge this element directly using witness statements, surveillance footage, and available physical evidence.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
When evidence was gathered without a valid warrant or legal basis, we move to suppress it before it can be used against you at trial.
Mistaken Identity
Eyewitness accounts are frequently unreliable. We examine photo lineups, descriptions, and identification procedures to challenge accuracy and expose inconsistencies.
Disputing Property Value
Charge severity often depends on the property’s stated value. We challenge inflated or unsupported valuations that push charges into a higher offense level.
Claim of Right Defense
If you had a genuine belief that you had legal ownership or right to the property, this belief may serve as a complete or partial defense under state law.
Alibi and Location Evidence
We gather phone records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to place you away from the scene at the time the offense allegedly occurred.
Challenging Witness Credibility
We review prior statements, personal relationships, and motives to expose any bias, inconsistency, or personal interest driving the complaint against you.
Fabricated or Exaggerated Claims
Personal or financial disputes sometimes lead to overstated accusations. We investigate the full background of the complaint to surface any improper motive.
WHY CHOOSE US
How Our Property Crime Defense Lawyers Stand Out
Statewide Courtroom Presence
Regular appearances in Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, and courts across the state on property felony matters.
Strategic Criminal Defense
The Martine Law team brings deep courtroom knowledge and strategic insight into how prosecutors approach and build property felony cases.
Fast Evidence Preservation
We act quickly to secure surveillance footage, bodycam recordings, and forensic reports before they are deleted or become unavailable.
Available Around the Clock
Our team is reachable 24/7, including weekends and holidays, to connect you with attorneys right away.
Under investigation for a property crime? Talk to a lawyer now.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
How a Property Felony Case Moves Through Court
Each stage is explained clearly so you know exactly what lies ahead from arrest through final resolution.
COMMON ISSUES
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a property crime a felony instead of a misdemeanor?
Property value, circumstances, prior record, and offense type all determine charge level. When property value exceeds statutory thresholds or aggravating factors apply, misdemeanor charges can become felony-level matters.
What should I do immediately after being charged with a property felony?
Provide only your name and ask for a property crime defense lawyer right away. Do not speak to investigators or anyone else until your attorney is present and available.
Can a felony property charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. With experienced property-criminal legal representation, charges are sometimes reduced due to evidentiary gaps, valuation disputes, or negotiated plea agreements. Each case depends on its own specific facts and evidence.
Will a property felony conviction appear on background checks?
Yes. Felony convictions appear on most background checks and affect employment, housing, and licensing. Expungement may be available after a qualifying waiting period under MN law.
How long does a property felony case take to resolve?
Most cases take 6 months to over a year, depending on charge level, court volume, and complexity. Cases going to trial typically take longer than those resolved through negotiated agreements.
Do property felony defendants have to pay restitution?
Courts frequently order restitution as part of sentencing. A skilled Minnesota property-related felony defense attorney can challenge the amount claimed and work toward a fair and accurate figure.
OTHER DEFENSE AREAS
Additional Criminal Defense Practice Areas We Handle
White Collar Related Felonies
Financial crime allegations involving fraud, embezzlement, forgery, or deceptive business-related offenses.
Violent Felonies
Serious felony charges involving alleged force, threats, weapons, or physical harm to someone.
Felonies Against the State
Criminal allegations involving government violations, public safety threats, or state-level offenses.
DO NOT WAIT. ACT NOW.
Get an Experienced Property Crime Defense Lawyer Today
Delays can make defending property-related felony allegations difficult. Reach out to our Martine Law team now before important details are lost.