Minnesota Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Minnesota Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

A misdemeanor crime is less serious than a felony. In Minnesota, misdemeanors are categorized as gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors.

Minnesota Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

A felony in Minnesota is a serious crime that is punishable by a term of one year or more in prison. Some crimes that are not defined as felonies can be charged as a felony if the offender has certain prior convictions.

Driving on a Suspended License in Minnesota

Minnesotans’ driving privileges may be suspended or revoked for a range of criminal convictions, driving offenses and civil issues. It is illegal to drive while your Minnesota license is suspended or revoked. If you do, you may be charged with a crime.

Minnesota Minor in Possession (MIP) of Alcohol Laws and Penalties

In Minnesota, it is illegal for any person younger than 21 years old to consume an alcoholic beverage (with some exceptions, see below). It is also illegal in most situations for any minor to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume the alcoholic beverage.

Auto Theft Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota law prohibits taking a car without the owner’s permission. Vehicle theft is punishable by as much as ten years in prison.

Minnesota Felony Theft and Misdemeanor Petty Theft

Minnesota criminal statutes list a number of specific actions that, when committed, would constitute the offense of theft.

Shoplifting Charges in Minnesota

Shoplifting in Minnesota is a crime with serious penalties, including potential fines and jail time. In addition to facing criminal penalties, shoplifters can be sued by merchants in civil court to recover damages.

Burglary and Home Invasions in Minnesota

In Minnesota, burglary is defined as breaking and entering into any structure with the intent to commit a felony therein; or breaking and entering and subsequently committing a crime. These two parts of the definition are known as the “elements” of the crime of burglary.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Minnesota

All states regulate and control the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for sale. Minnesota classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Cyberbullying in Minnesota

Bullying and cyberbullying are criminalized in Minnesota’s general criminal statutes, and also through state-mandated anti-bullying policies in schools.

Minnesota Assault and Battery

In Minnesota, a person commits the crime of simple assault, a misdemeanor, by intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict injury; or by any act intended to cause fear of imminent injury or death.

Minnesota Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic assault in Minnesota involves an assault against certain family members or specified others. The normal punishment for assault will be increased when the defendant has previously been convicted of domestic violence. Minnesota also punishes violations of protective orders.

Disorderly Conduct in Minnesota

Minnesota’s law against disorderly conduct criminalizes a variety of different behaviors, including fighting, yelling obscenities, and upsetting meetings. Laws against disorderly conduct, sometimes called disturbing the peace or breach of the peace, can vary from state to state and many municipalities also have their own regulations.

Teen Sexting in Minnesota

Minnesota has not enacted laws specifically aimed at teen sexting, so teens in Minnesota who engage in sexting can be prosecuted and punished for serious crimes.

Minnesota Statutory Rape Laws

People who engage in sexual activity with children under the age of consent can be convicted of criminal sexual conduct (also called statutory rape). Sixteen is the age of consent in Minnesota. Minnesota’s laws also prohibit sexual activity between children under the age of 18 and adults in positions of authority over them.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Minnesota

Prostitution is a crime in Minnesota, as in most states. Those who pimp, solicit, or traffic others to act as prostitutes face greater penalties than prostitutes and their patrons do. And, Minnesota law imposes even greater penalties for prostitution involving a minor.