"Theft" and "Robbery" are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but in Minnesota courts, they are distinct crimes with very different sentencing guidelines.

Robbery = Use of Force

Robbery is a crime against a person.

  • Simple Robbery: Taking property from a person using force or threat of force. No weapon is required. (Max: 10 years).

  • Aggravated Robbery (first-degree): Robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon or inflicting bodily harm. (Max: 20 years).

  • Aggravated Robbery (second-degree): Robbery while implying possession of a weapon (e.g., hand in pocket). (Max: 15 years).

Simple Robbery: Taking property from a person using force or threat of force. No weapon is required. (Max: 10 years).

Aggravated Robbery (first-degree): Robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon or inflicting bodily harm. (Max: 20 years).

Aggravated Robbery (second-degree): Robbery while implying possession of a weapon (e.g., hand in pocket). (Max: 15 years).

Theft = Taking of Property

Theft is a crime against property. Without force or threat, the severity of the charge depends entirely on the value of what was stolen.

  • Misdemeanor Theft: Value is $500 or less.

  • Gross Misdemeanor Theft: Value is between $501 and $1,000.

  • Felony Theft: Value exceeds $1,000.

Misdemeanor Theft: Value is $500 or less.

Gross Misdemeanor Theft: Value is between $501 and $1,000.

Felony Theft: Value exceeds $1,000.

The "Aggregation" Rule

Minnesota law allows prosecutors to "aggregate" (combine) the value of thefts committed within a six-month period.

  • Example: If a suspect shoplifts $400 of goods from Target on Monday and $700 from Walmart on Friday, they can be charged with one count of felony theft ($1,100 total) rather than two separate misdemeanors.

Example: If a suspect shoplifts $400 of goods from Target on Monday and $700 from Walmart on Friday, they can be charged with one count of felony theft ($1,100 total) rather than two separate misdemeanors.

While the terms are often swapped in daily conversation, the legal reality is stark: robbery is a violent crime against a person, while theft is a crime against assets. A simple shoplifting incident generally remains a misdemeanor, but the moment force is used—or merely implied—the charge escalates to a felony robbery with potential prison time.

The state's ability to "aggregate" six months of smaller thefts means that habitual offenders can easily cross the $1,000 felony threshold, which can turn a string of relatively minor offenses into a serious criminal record.