It is only human to make mistakes. And sometimes those mistakes come in the form of taking something that does not belong to you. This is called theft, and is a serious crime in Indiana. There are many types of theft, including carjacking, fraud, embezzlement, and more. But one of the most common forms of theft among Hoosiers is shoplifting.

If you caught shoplifting, you know just how humiliating it can be. But just because you think you are guilty, you shouldn’t have to face the maximum penalties for your crime. In fact, sometimes a person’s actions are misinterpreted, which leads to a shoplifting arrest. This is why it is so critical to your freedom and your future to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer for help avoiding jail time and more.

If you are facing shoplifting charges in Indiana, continue reading for a brief look at the laws surrounding such theft.

Indiana Theft and Shoplifting Laws

Theft is considered an act of taking something that belongs to someone else, with the intention of depriving them of that item forever. If a person takes something from someone without permission, but with the intention of returning it, it is called “criminal conversion” and is a less severe charge than theft. An example of criminal conversions would be if a person takes another person’s car without permission, but intends on returning it to the owner later on.

In Indiana, shoplifting (or theft) will get you anywhere from Class A Misdemeanor, all the way up to a Level 5 felony. The level of punishment for shoplifting depends on the total value of the items or goods stolen.

Stolen Property Less than $750 = Class A Misdemeanor
Stolen Property Between $750 – $50,000 = Level 6 Felony
Stolen Property Greater Than $50,000 or a Motor Vehicle = Level 5 Felony

With so many theft cases coursing through the Indiana courtrooms, it is important to have proficient representation. A public defender simply does not have the time to give your case, which can put you at risk of being penalized to the fullest extent. A private criminal attorney is the best source for reducing or dismissing charges against you for shoplifting.

Check out our blog next week for a closer look at some common types of shoplifting theft!

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing shoplifting charges in Indiana. He works around the clock and uses every resource in his power to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. As a licensed and experienced criminal lawyer, he takes on all cases, regardless of the crimes you are charged with. He also offers free initial consultations! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis criminal attorney you can trust.