Minnesota § 604.14 - CIVIL LIABILITY FOR THEFT
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 604.14 — CIVIL LIABILITY FOR THEFT, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 604.14. CIVIL LIABILITY FOR THEFT
Subdivision 1.Liability for theft of property.
A person who steals personal property from another is civilly liable to the owner of the property for its value when stolen plus punitive damages of either $50 or up to 100 percent of its value when stolen, whichever is greater. If the property is merchandise stolen from a retail store, its value is the retail price of the merchandise in the store when the theft occurred.
Subd. 2.Notice.
In order to recover under subdivision 1 for the theft of a shopping cart, a store must have posted at the time of the theft a conspicuous notice describing the liability under subdivision 1.
Subd. 3.Liability of parent or guardian.
Section 540.18 applies to this section, except that recovery is not limited to special damages.
Subd. 4.Criminal action.
The filing of a criminal complaint, conviction, or guilty plea is not a prerequisite to liability under this section. Payment or nonpayment may not be used as evidence in a criminal action.
Subd. 5.Recovery of property.
The recovery of stolen property by a person does not affect liability under this section, other than liability for the value of the property.
Subd. 6.Right to demand payment.
A person may make a written demand for payment for the liability imposed by this section before beginning an action, including a copy of this section and a description of the liability contained in this section.
History:
1988 c 481 s 1; 1989 c 224 s 2; 1989 c 262 s 4
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 604.14
What does Minnesota Statutes § 604.14 cover?
Section 604.14 ("CIVIL LIABILITY FOR THEFT") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 604.14?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 604.14" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 604.14 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.