Moorhead Attorney Wants To Decriminalize Thefts Under $20.00

Assistant Public Defender Mara Rausch says shoplifting and thefts under $20.00 would automatically be treated as a petty offense, much like a speeding ticket.

 

 

 

 

A Moorhead attorney says state lawmakers should consider de-criminalizing low-level thefts.

Assistant Public Defender Mara Rausch says shoplifting and thefts under $20.00 would automatically be treated as a petty offense, much like a speeding ticket.

Rausch came up with the idea after going to trial with a defendant who stole a $5.00 greeting card. Rausch says the proposal would allow judges, juries and attorneys to devote their time to more serious cases.

State law currently considers all thefts under $500 a misdemeanor, which means the defendants are entitled to a trial.

 

Jim Monk

   

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