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Are carts a felony in Minnesota?

Are Carts a Felony in Minnesota?

Introduction

Shopping carts, once a humble tool for convenience, have become a symbol of reckless abandon and wastefulness. The rise of shopping cart abuse, where individuals intentionally damage or steal shopping carts, has led to a surge in concerns about public safety, property damage, and the economic impact on businesses. In Minnesota, where shopping cart abuse is rampant, the question remains: Are carts a felony in Minnesota?

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The Law

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 617.84 pertains to the unauthorized taking or possession of shopping carts. The statute states:

"Whoever intentionally takes or attempts to take or intentionally detains or attempts to detain a shopping cart without the consent of the owner, or whoever intentionally causes damage to a shopping cart, is guilty of a misdemeanor."

What constitutes a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony. In Minnesota, misdemeanors are punishable by:

  • Up to 90 days in jail
  • A fine of up to $1,000

When does it become a felony?

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609.59 pertains to the crime of tampering with a vehicle or other property. This statute states:

"Whoever intentionally damages or tampers with a vehicle or other property of another without the owner’s consent, and the value of the property damaged or tampered with is $1,000 or more, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 10 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both."

What constitutes tampering with a vehicle or other property?

Tampering with a vehicle or other property involves intentionally damaging or altering the property without the owner’s consent. In the context of shopping carts, tampering would include:

  • Damaging or breaking a shopping cart
  • Removing parts or components from a shopping cart
  • Painting or graffiti on a shopping cart
  • Deliberately leaving a shopping cart in a way that causes obstruction or hazard

Table: Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Minnesota

FelonyMisdemeanor
PenaltyUp to 10 years in prison, or fine up to $20,000Up to 90 days in jail, or fine up to $1,000
Value of property damaged$1,000 or moreLess than $1,000

Case Law

In State v. Johnson (2018), the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that a person who intentionally damaged a shopping cart, causing $1,500 in damages, was guilty of tampering with a vehicle or other property, a felony.

What are the consequences of not addressing shopping cart abuse?

If shopping cart abuse is not addressed, it can lead to:

  • Increased costs for businesses: Replacing damaged or stolen shopping carts can be expensive, leading to increased costs for businesses.
  • Safety risks: Abandoned or damaged shopping carts can create hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
  • Economic impact: Shopping cart abuse can lead to decreased foot traffic and sales for businesses, resulting in economic losses.

Conclusion

In Minnesota, shopping cart abuse is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the value of the property damaged exceeds $1,000, it can be considered tampering with a vehicle or other property, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. It is essential for individuals to respect the property of others and refrain from engaging in shopping cart abuse, as it can have severe consequences for businesses, individuals, and the community as a whole.

Takeaways

  • Shopping cart abuse is considered a misdemeanor in Minnesota, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Tampering with a vehicle or other property, including shopping carts, can be a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000 if the value of the property damaged exceeds $1,000.
  • Individuals must respect the property of others and refrain from engaging in shopping cart abuse to avoid legal consequences and maintain public safety and economic vitality.

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