Theft Attorney | Property Crimes

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Theft Attorney Thomas Gallagher defends people from accusations of embezzlement, forgery, bribery, fraud and property crime in Minnesota. A white collar lawyer, he defends people facing theft charges. And he has for over 35 years, including service as a financial crimes fraud lawyer.

These cases ranged from large to small amounts of loss. So he defended million dollar white-collar crime, federal fraud and theft charge cases; and $150,000 embezzlement charges. And Attorney Thomas Gallagher’s cases include government-official bribery, receiving stolen goods – even petty theft and shoplifting cases that can ruin a good person’s good name.

Gallagher is a theft attorney that can help you. And you can give him a call for a phone consultation.

Double standard

The powerful forgive themselves. If the government makes a mistake, maybe one day you will get a tax refund. But if you make a mistake, what will they do to you? So chances are you’ll need a white collar crime attorney.

Or imagine: you buy several items at a retail store, then get home and notice overcharges. And if you’re willing to take the trouble to drive back to the store, hopefully they’ll refund you. But if you leave a retail store and mistakenly forget to pay for an item, what happens to you? Will they let you just apologize and pay for the item?

You may need a theft attorney.

So, does our society have a double standard for Big Brother vs. “the little guy?” And could that imbalance of power poison the well of justice? Fight back with a lawyer.

Abuse of power leads to injustice: theft attorney

What if police threaten to take your kid, unless you “confess” to something you did not do? So, would you feel pressured to say what they want to hear, to get your kid back? And what if an investigator tells you to sign a confession, promising no prosecution if you sign? Would you sign it?

Or what if you are at work, trying to understand complex administrative regulations and comply. But then something goes wrong.

And when they come looking for a fall-guy, could you be a target for a police investigation? Or, for a subpoena to testify before a Grand Jury – as a “witness,” or for possible indictment?

These are examples of cases where Thomas Gallagher has represented clients successfully as a Financial Crimes Fraud Lawyer.

Prosecutors do not always enforce the law fairly. And the dormant law alone is not magic. But with hard work and patience the law can be an effective tool, in the right hands, to aid justice and liberty. So, your theft attorney can use the law to protect your future; and your family’s future.

The fraud lawyer you choose will make a difference in how your story ends.

Theft Attorney services

White Collar Lawyer Thomas Gallagher handles all varieties of theft charges and property crimes.

Large property crime cases:

• White Collar Crime defense, including regulatory, government program, conspiracy, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, etc.
• Large Dollar Amount cases, business-related issues and claims.

Abuse of trust claims:

• Embezzlement charges.
• Bribery claims, including government officials.

Theft defense:

1. Felony theft charge.
2. Theft by swindle.
3. Forgery claims.
4. Receiving Stolen Goods.
5. Petty theft.
6. Shoplifting.

Constitutional and evidence defenses

False Confessions

Search and Seizure issues

Prevention and rights protection:

• Pre-charge Counsel, exposure evaluation, employee acts, government targeting and police investigation. A theft attorney can have an impact, early on.
• Witness Representation, including advice and counsel, asserting Fifth Amendment, Immunity.

So if you need a Financial Crimes Fraud Lawyer, Thomas Gallagher can help.

“What is the difference between theft & robbery?”

We can divide crimes into at least two broad categories:

1. crimes against persons
2. property crimes

Theft, white collar crimes, and property crime generally are not crimes against persons.

But what is a crime against person? When a perpetrator commits a crime in the presence of another person, that is a crime against person. And this is so, even where the perpetrator takes property. So crimes like robbery are “crimes against a person,” even with property theft.

But burglary is a crime in the grey area. And so, most burglary crimes carry bigger penalties with an assault or threat against a person (e.g., occupied dwelling). So in those circumstances, it’s more of a crime against person.

Crimes against persons are more serious than property crimes. But either way, you’ll need the best theft attorney to defend you.

“Is theft a felony in Minnesota?”

In general, theft is a felony in Minnesota if the dollar amount of loss is over $1,000. But lower loss claims can support a felony theft charge. So for example, if the defendant has priors, a loss claim of over $500 can be a felony charge. Or, if the stolen item is a motor vehicle.

But a loss claim of $500 or less generally supports a misdemeanor theft charge.

The penalties are more complex though. You can see them at Minnesota Statutes § 609.52, subd. 3. A good theft attorney can protect you from the worst. For more answers:

Criminal Law Questions | FAQ.

Penalties for Theft and Property Crimes

What are the penalties for theft and property crimes? First we look at defenses to avoid conviction. But if convicted, then the court has sentencing jurisdiction and can impose further criminal penalties. A conviction can happen either after a guilty verdict or after a guilty plea (usually part of a plea agreement).

Especially for a person with a clean record, a public record of conviction can be a long term, severe penalty. But a prison commitment is possible for felonies, while jail time is possible for non-felonies. For felonies, we look to the presumptive sentence under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, as well as any applicable Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Statutes; and try to get significantly less. The presumptive sentence is based on the statute of conviction and criminal history score. For non-felonies there are no sentencing guidelines.

Most people convicted will get years of probation (stayed time hanging over their head, not a prison commitment), with some getting probationary jail time. Conditions of probation are either part of the plea agreement or set by the judge. They can include things like “no same or similar offenses,” a fine, jail time or a jail substitute (STS, EHM), mental health or chemical health assessment and treatment, and restitution. The defendant can challenge any restitution amount claimed. See:

Sentencing Hearing Guide.

Outcome goals: theft attorney

Having a criminal record causes long-lasting damage to future income stream. And a conviction for a crime of dishonesty is even worse. For non-citizens, most of these are “crimes of moral turpitude” under federal immigration law, or worse. But no matter who you are, avoiding a conviction is valuable.

For people facing an allegation of a first offense, a keep-your-record-clean outcome may be the number one priority. But with a prior record, facing a bigger theft charge, the goal may be to avoid a long prison sentence.

Question? Call Attorney Thomas Gallagher, 612 333-1500

So, the theft attorney you choose will make a big difference for your future. Do you need some help from a Financial Crimes Fraud Lawyer? Call Attorney Thomas Gallagher.

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