Charged Under § 609.525? A Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains What You’re Facing
Your head is spinning. You’ve been charged with a serious theft crime in Minnesota, but the alleged theft happened in another state. You may have bought a car in Wisconsin, some tools in Iowa, or electronics in North Dakota, believing you got a fair deal. Now, Minnesota law enforcement is accusing you of bringing stolen property across state lines, and suddenly, you are the one being treated like a criminal. You didn’t plan to end up here. The situation feels fundamentally unjust—how can you be prosecuted in a Minnesota court for something that took place somewhere else entirely?
This is the harsh reality of Minnesota Statutes § 609.525, a law that gives prosecutors the power to charge you here as if the original theft happened within our borders. They will paint you as a calculated thief, someone who knowingly traffics in stolen property. The seriousness of this charge cannot be overstated; depending on the value of the goods, you could be facing a felony, prison time, and a permanent criminal record that will follow you forever. You feel trapped between two jurisdictions and caught in a legal nightmare. But you do not have to face this alone. I have defended people across Minnesota—from the border cities of Duluth, Moorhead, and Rochester to the metro areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul—who have been ensnared by these complex interstate charges. Your side of the story matters, and we will fight to make sure it is heard.
How a Purchase in Another State Becomes a Minnesota Crime
The crime of Bringing Stolen Goods into State is confusing for many people. At its core, this law isn’t just about theft; it’s about the act of transporting property into Minnesota that you either stole yourself or that you received somewhere else knowing it was stolen. The moment you cross the state line with those goods, you give Minnesota prosecutors the authority to charge you. This law closes a loophole, preventing individuals from stealing property in a neighboring state and then finding a safe haven here. What this means for you is that the prosecutor’s focus will be on proving what you knew and when you knew it.
A facing a Minnesota charge for bringing stolen goods into the state means the government has to prove two things: that the item was, in fact, stolen under the laws of the state where the act occurred (like Wisconsin or South Dakota), and that you had the criminal intent required under Minnesota law. This often comes down to circumstantial evidence. Did you buy an expensive item for a ridiculously low price in a cash deal with no paperwork? That’s a red flag for prosecutors. These accusations can arise from online marketplace deals, flea market purchases, or transactions with private sellers. My job is to challenge the state’s assumptions and protect you from being convicted based on speculation about your state of mind.
The Law That Follows You: Minnesota Statute § 609.525
The government’s power to prosecute you in Minnesota for an out-of-state act comes from a specific and powerful statute. You need to see the exact language the prosecutor will use to build their case against you. The charge comes directly from Minnesota Statutes § 609.525.
Here is the precise text of the law:
609.525 BRINGING STOLEN GOODS INTO STATE.
Subdivision 1. Crime. Whoever brings property into the state which the actor has stolen outside the state, or received outside of the state knowing it to have been stolen, may be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of section 609.52, subdivision 3. The actor may be charged, indicted, and tried in any county, but not more than one county, into or through which the actor has brought such property.
Subd. 2. Defining stolen property. Property is stolen within the meaning of this section if the act by which the owner was deprived of property was a criminal offense under the laws of the state in which the act was committed and would constitute a theft under this chapter if the act had been committed in this state.
Breaking Down the Legal Elements of Bringing Stolen Goods into Minnesota
To convict you of this crime, the prosecutor has a complex job. They can’t just make assumptions; they must prove every single component—or “element”—of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. My defense strategy is built around attacking their ability to prove each of these points. If we can show that they have failed to prove even one element, the case against you must be dismissed.
- The Act of Bringing Property into MinnesotaFirst, the prosecutor must prove the physical act of transportation. They need evidence that you are the person who brought the property across the Minnesota state line. It is not enough for the property to simply be found here. They must link you directly to its movement from another state into a county within Minnesota. This could be through witness testimony, surveillance footage, or GPS data, but if they cannot prove you are the one who transported it, they cannot convict you under this specific statute.
- The Property Was Legally “Stolen”This element is more complex than it sounds. Under Subdivision 2, the state has to prove two things about the property’s status. First, they must prove that the way the original owner was deprived of it was a crime under the laws of the state where it happened (e.g., Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota). Second, they must also prove that the act would have been a theft under Minnesota law if it had occurred here. This means we can challenge the very foundation of the case by arguing that no provable crime ever actually occurred in the originating state.
- Your Intent: You Stole It or Knew It Was StolenThis is the most critical element and where most cases are won or lost. The state must prove your mental state. They have two paths to do this. They can prove that you are the person who actually stole the property in the other state. More commonly, they will try to prove that when you received the property outside of Minnesota, you knew it was stolen. This is a high burden of proof, and they will rely on circumstantial evidence—like a very low purchase price or a lack of title paperwork for a vehicle—to try and convince a jury of what was in your head.
Penalties Are Based on Value, Just Like In-State Theft
The statute for Bringing Stolen Goods into State doesn’t have its own penalty structure. Instead, it directs the court to use the penalties from Minnesota’s general theft statute, § 609.52. This means the severity of the potential sentence—whether it’s a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or a felony—depends entirely on the alleged value of the property you brought into the state. This makes challenging the state’s valuation of the property a critical part of your defense.
Felony Level
You are facing a felony charge if the value of the property exceeds $1,000. The penalties escalate significantly at higher value thresholds ($5,000, $35,000, etc.) and can result in:
- Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, depending on the specific value.
- A permanent felony conviction, which includes the lifetime loss of your right to own a firearm.
Gross Misdemeanor Level
The charge is a gross misdemeanor if the value of the property is more than $500 but not more than $1,000.
- Penalties: Up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Level
The charge is a misdemeanor if the value of the property is $500 or less.
- Penalties: Up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
How an Out-of-State Deal Turns into a Minnesota Felony
These charges often arise from seemingly normal transactions that cross state lines, especially in our region where travel between Minnesota and its neighbors is common. Here are some real-world scenarios that could lead to an arrest under § 609.525.
These situations demonstrate how easily an unsuspecting person can get caught in a legal trap. The prosecution will focus on any detail that makes the transaction seem suspicious, while your defense must focus on providing a clear, logical, and innocent explanation for your actions.
The Craigslist Car Deal in Hudson, WI
You find a great deal on a used car on Craigslist, listed by a seller in Hudson, Wisconsin. You meet the seller, pay cash, and they give you a title that looks legitimate. You drive the car back to your home in St. Paul. Weeks later, you are pulled over and police inform you the car was reported stolen in Wisconsin and the title was forged. Now, you are charged in Ramsey County with a felony for bringing stolen goods into Minnesota, and the prosecutor will argue the “too good to be true” price meant you should have known it was stolen.
The Fargo Flea Market Find
You are an avid collector and attend a large flea market in Fargo, North Dakota. You purchase a set of antique tools from a vendor for a decent price and bring them back to your home in Moorhead, Minnesota. A few months later, police execute a search warrant and identify the tools as having been taken in a recent North Dakota burglary. You are charged in Clay County, and the state will claim that the circumstances of a flea market sale should have made you suspicious.
A “Favor” from a Friend in La Crosse, WI
A friend from La Crosse, Wisconsin, calls you in a panic. They say they need to store some expensive camera equipment for a few weeks and ask if you can hold it at your apartment in Rochester, Minnesota. You agree to help. You drive over, pick up the gear, and bring it back. What you don’t know is that your friend just stole the equipment. When the police track it to your home, you are the one charged in Olmsted County with possessing and bringing stolen property into the state.
The ATV Purchase in Rural Iowa
You buy a used ATV from a seller in rural Iowa, just south of the Minnesota border. The seller says they don’t have the paperwork handy but will mail it to you. You pay cash, load the ATV onto your truck, and drive it back to your farm in southern Minnesota. The paperwork never arrives, and when you try to register the ATV, you learn it was stolen. The prosecutor will argue that buying a vehicle without receiving proper title at the time of sale shows you knew something was wrong.
Legal Defenses That Can Defeat an Interstate Theft Charge
An accusation under § 609.525 can feel overwhelming, especially with the complexity of dealing with events in two different states. However, the prosecutor’s case is often built on weak, circumstantial evidence regarding your knowledge. A powerful defense strategy focuses on dismantling their assumptions and presenting a logical, innocent explanation for your actions.
Your defense must be proactive and aggressive. I will not just react to the prosecution’s case; I will conduct my own investigation into the out-of-state incident, the history of the property, and the circumstances of your purchase. The government has the entire burden of proof, and we will hold them to it every step of the way. Several strong legal defenses can be used to fight these charges and protect your freedom.
Defense: You Were a Good-Faith Purchaser with No Knowledge
This is the most common and powerful defense. The state must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you knew the property was stolen. We will fight this by demonstrating that you were an innocent, good-faith purchaser.
- Reasonable Transaction: We will present evidence that the transaction was not suspicious. Did you pay a fair market price for the item? Did you get a receipt or bill of sale? Was the meeting place normal? Presenting the transaction as a standard, reasonable exchange undermines the state’s claim that you must have known something was wrong.
- No Red Flags: We will argue that there were no obvious red flags to alert you to a problem. The seller may have seemed legitimate, and the property itself may have shown no signs of being stolen (e.g., no removed serial numbers). Your lack of suspicion was reasonable under the circumstances.
Defense: The Property Was Not Legally “Stolen”
The state’s case depends on a predicate crime: a theft in another state. If we can show that the original act was not a criminal theft, the Minnesota charge must be dismissed.
- It Was a Civil Dispute: Often, property is reported “stolen” when the issue is actually a civil disagreement over ownership. This can happen in disputes between business partners, former spouses, or family members. We can argue that you acquired property involved in a civil dispute, not a criminal theft.
- The Act Wasn’t a Crime in the Originating State: The laws of theft can vary slightly from state to state. We will analyze the law of the state where the property was taken. If the actions of the person who took the property do not technically meet the definition of a crime in that state, then the property is not “stolen” for the purposes of the Minnesota statute.
Defense: You Did Not Bring the Property into Minnesota
The statute specifically punishes the act of bringing the goods into the state. If the prosecutor cannot prove you are the one who transported the property across state lines, you cannot be convicted of this specific crime.
- You Acquired the Property in Minnesota: We can argue that you bought or received the property from someone who had already brought it into Minnesota. For example, if you bought the item from a seller at a flea market in Minneapolis who had originally brought it from Iowa, you did not commit this crime. The state would have to charge you with simple possession of stolen property, which can be easier to defend.
- Insufficient Evidence of Transportation: The state needs more than just finding the property in your possession in Minnesota. They need evidence that tracks its movement. Without witnesses, video, or other data showing you crossing the border with the item, we can argue they have failed to prove a key element of the crime.
Defense: The Evidence Was Found Through an Illegal Search
Your Fourth Amendment rights protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement found the property by violating your rights, the evidence can be thrown out of court, often leading to a full dismissal.
- Illegal Traffic Stop: Did the police have a valid, legal reason to pull you over in the first place? If they stopped you based on a vague hunch or an illegal pretext, any evidence they found as a result of that stop—including the property in your car—is inadmissible.
- Unlawful Search of Your Home or Vehicle: Did police have a valid search warrant to search your home? Did you truly give free and voluntary consent to a search of your car? If the search was conducted illegally, we will file a motion to suppress the evidence, gutting the prosecutor’s case against you.
Minnesota Bringing Stolen Goods FAQs — What You Need to Know Now
Can I be charged in both Minnesota and the state where the theft occurred?
Yes, this is a possibility known as “dual sovereignty.” Because the theft itself and the act of bringing the stolen goods into a new state are considered separate offenses, you could potentially face charges in both jurisdictions. This makes it even more critical to have an attorney who can coordinate a defense strategy across state lines.
What if I truly had no idea the property was stolen?
This is the heart of your defense. If you were a “good-faith purchaser” who paid a reasonable price and had no reason to be suspicious, you lack the criminal intent (“knowing it to have been stolen”) required for a conviction. Your attorney will work to gather evidence to prove your innocent state of mind.
How does the state prove the value of property that was stolen in another state?
The prosecutor will typically rely on testimony from the original owner or receipts showing the original purchase price. However, this is often the “new” retail value, not the actual fair market value of the used item. Your attorney can challenge this valuation by introducing evidence of depreciation or by hiring an expert to provide a more realistic appraisal.
Will I go to prison for bringing stolen goods into Minnesota?
If the property is valued at over $1,0aximum sentence can include prison time. However, a conviction does not automatically mean prison. An experienced attorney can argue for alternatives like probation, especially for a client with a minimal criminal history, or fight to have the felony charge reduced or dismissed altogether.
Do I need a Minnesota lawyer if the theft happened somewhere else?
Yes, absolutely. You have been charged with a crime in a Minnesota court, so you must have a lawyer licensed to practice in Minnesota. It is a major advantage to hire an attorney who is also experienced in handling cases with these complex, cross-jurisdictional issues.
How long does a conviction for this stay on my record?
A criminal conviction in Minnesota stays on your record permanently unless you can get it expunged. The expungement process is long, complicated, and not guaranteed. The best way to protect your record is to fight the charge from the very beginning to avoid a conviction.
What if I bought the item from a pawn shop or on Facebook Marketplace?
The source of the purchase is a key fact in your case. A purchase from a seemingly legitimate business like a pawn shop can strengthen your argument that you acted in good faith. A cash-only, no-questions-asked deal from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace could be viewed with more suspicion, making the details of the transaction even more important.
Can this charge be dismissed before trial?
Yes. A dismissal is the primary goal in every case I handle. If we can show the prosecutor that they cannot prove you knew the item was stolen, that the property wasn’t legally “stolen,” or that the evidence was obtained illegally, we can often negotiate a pre-trial dismissal.
What’s the difference between this crime and just possessing stolen property?
The key difference is the element of interstate transportation. To convict you under § 609.525, the state must prove you brought the item across the Minnesota border. Simple possession of stolen property (§ 609.53) only requires them to prove you possessed the item in Minnesota knowing it was stolen, without the need to prove you transported it.
If I’m convicted, do I have to pay the original owner back?
Yes, a conviction will almost certainly result in a court order to pay restitution to the victim. This would be in addition to any fines or jail time imposed as part of your sentence.
The police want to question me. What should I do?
You must invoke your constitutional rights. Politely state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I will not answer any questions without my lawyer present.” Do not try to explain the situation or prove your innocence. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you.
What is the first step I should take?
Your first and most important step is to contact a Minnesota criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not talk to the police or try to contact the original owner of the property. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the sooner they can begin building your defense and protecting your rights.
Can I be convicted if the original thief is never caught?
Yes. The state does not need to identify or convict the person who originally stole the property to convict you. They only need to prove that a theft occurred and that you brought the property into Minnesota with the required criminal knowledge.
What if I brought the property into Minnesota but then immediately tried to return it?
This could be a very helpful fact for your defense. If you took steps to return the property to its rightful owner as soon as you realized it might be stolen, your attorney can use that action to argue that you lacked the criminal intent to deprive the owner of their property permanently.
Does it matter which county in Minnesota I’m charged in?
While the law is the same statewide, local court practices can vary. It is beneficial to have an attorney who has experience in the specific county where you are charged, whether it’s a border county like Clay or Washington or a major metro county like Hennepin or Ramsey.
What a Conviction Could Mean for the Rest of Your Life
A conviction for bringing stolen goods into the state, especially a felony, carries consequences that last a lifetime. The court’s sentence is just the beginning. The “collateral consequences” of a conviction can permanently alter your future, impacting your career, your family, and your fundamental rights. Understanding these life-altering risks is why you must fight this charge so fiercely.
Permanent Loss of Your Second Amendment Rights
A felony conviction in Minnesota will result in the permanent loss of your right to own or possess a firearm. This is not a temporary suspension or a restriction; it is a lifetime ban. For hunters, sport shooters, or anyone who believes in their right to self-defense, this is a devastating and non-negotiable consequence of a felony theft-related conviction.
A Career Derailed by a Crime of Dishonesty
Theft is considered a “crime of dishonesty.” A conviction on your record will be a major red flag for any potential employer. You may be barred from working in fields like finance, education, healthcare, or government. Any job that requires a background check, a security clearance, or the handling of money or sensitive information could be forever out of your reach. This can severely limit your ability to provide for yourself and your family.
Barriers to Housing and Educational Opportunities
When you apply to rent an apartment or a house, the landlord will almost certainly run a background check. A conviction for a theft crime can lead to an automatic denial, as landlords may see you as a risk to their property and other tenants. Similarly, a conviction can be a barrier to admission to college or graduate school and may affect your eligibility for student loans and other forms of financial aid.
Devastating Immigration Consequences for Non-Citizens
If you are not a U.S. citizen, the stakes are even higher. A conviction for a crime involving theft is almost certain to be classified as a “crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT) under federal immigration law. This can make you deportable, even if you are in the country legally with a green card. It can also permanently bar you from becoming a U.S. citizen or re-entering the country if you leave.
Why You Need a Tough, Experienced Minnesota Defense Attorney
When you are facing a complex interstate charge, you cannot afford to have a lawyer who is learning on the job. You need a dedicated, experienced criminal defense attorney who understands both Minnesota theft law and the unique challenges of a case that crosses state lines. The government has significant power; my job is to be the shield that protects you from it.
The Advantage of a Dedicated Private Attorney
Unlike a public defender who may be juggling an impossible number of cases, I limit my caseload to ensure I can give your case the time, resources, and personal attention it demands. I will handle your case personally from start to finish. You will not be passed off to a less experienced associate. I will be the one investigating the out-of-state incident, negotiating with the prosecutor, and fighting for you in court. This singular focus is essential when your freedom is at stake.
How Fast Action Can Make All the Difference
In an interstate case, evidence and witnesses can be scattered across hundreds of miles. The sooner you hire me, the sooner I can begin a thorough investigation. This might include sending an investigator to the state where the theft occurred, locating the original seller, or subpoenaing records before they are lost or destroyed. Early intervention allows us to build a strong defense before the prosecution has even finished building their case against you.
Deep Experience with Minnesota’s Unique Geography and Courts
I have defended clients in courtrooms all across Minnesota. I understand the specific challenges of cases that arise in our border communities, from Duluth on the shore of Lake Superior to Moorhead on the Red River. I know the local courts, I know the prosecutors, and I know how to build a defense that resonates with a Minnesota jury. This deep familiarity with our state’s legal landscape gives you a critical advantage.
Building a Defense That Gets Results
My approach is comprehensive and relentless. I will scrutinize every detail of the case against you, from the legality of the initial police stop in Minnesota to the details of the alleged theft in another state. My goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you. That could mean a full dismissal before trial, an acquittal by a jury, or a favorable negotiation that reduces a felony to a lesser charge and keeps you out of jail. This is your future, and I will fight to protect it as if it were my own.