Being accused of stealing from your workplace can be stressful and can even feel offensive, especially if you were charged incorrectly.
Whether it’s cash, merchandise, or company property, employee theft charges in Minnesota carry serious consequences that can affect your freedom, your career, and your reputation.
Even a misunderstanding, a false accusation, or a simple bad decision can lead to criminal charges and a permanent mark on your record if not handled correctly. We believe you are a good person and are here to help you out.
In this blog, we’ll explain how Minnesota treats employee theft, what happens after you’re accused, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Is Employee Theft in Minnesota?
Employee theft is when a worker is accused of stealing from their employer. This can include:
- Taking money from the cash register
- Stealing merchandise or company property
- Falsifying timecards or payroll records
- Misusing a company credit card
- Diverting business funds for personal use
Under Minnesota law, employee theft is treated seriously and prosecuted under Minnesota Statutes § 609.52, which covers theft in general.
How Minnesota Classifies Employee Theft
The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property or money taken:
- Less than $500: Misdemeanor theft, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- $500 – $1,000: Gross misdemeanor theft, up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $3,000.
- $1,000 – $5,000: Felony theft, up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- More than $35,000: Serious felony theft, up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
Employee theft cases often involve more than one incident, and prosecutors can combine amounts over time (called “aggregation”) to reach a higher charge level.
What Happens After You Are Accused
If your employer suspects theft, they may first investigate internally. This might include reviewing video footage, inventory reports, or payroll records. Once they believe they have evidence, they may:
- Confront you or request a written statement
- Suspend or terminate your employment
- Report the case to law enforcement
From there, police may investigate, and prosecutors can file formal charges.
Possible Legal and Professional Consequences
Being charged with employee theft can impact more than just your criminal record. You may face:
- Criminal penalties: Jail time, probation, fines, and restitution
- Job loss: Most employers terminate employees accused of theft
- Difficulty finding future employment: Theft convictions can appear in background checks
- Professional licensing issues: Certain licenses (healthcare, real estate, finance) may be revoked or suspended
- Civil lawsuits: Your employer can sue for financial losses
What You Should Do If You Are Charged
If you are accused or charged with employee theft:
- Do not speak to investigators without legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Gather documentation: Pay stubs, work schedules, or communications that support your defense.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. A lawyer can protect your rights and start building your defense before the case goes to court.
How Martine Law Can Help
Employee theft cases can be complex, especially when there are workplace dynamics or misunderstandings involved. At Martine Law, we can:
- Challenge the evidence and whether theft actually occurred
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Work toward keeping your record clean through diversion or other programs
- Protect your professional future and minimize collateral consequences
Key Takeaways
- Employee theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value involved.
- You could face jail time, fines, restitution, job loss, and a permanent criminal record.
- Early legal representation can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Have you been accused of employee theft? Call Martine Law today or contact us. Our experienced Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers will review your case and help you move forward.