Standard Indiana Penalties for Theft Convictions

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

If a person knowingly and deliberately takes control of another property with the intent to keep it away from them permanently, that person is committing the crime of theft according to Indiana legislature. If they are caught committing this criminal act, they can be arrested, detained, and charged with theft. There are several types of theft charges because there are so many different types of theft: white color crimes, fraud, grand theft auto, shoplifting, and more.

Every type of theft charge comes with a strict set of penalties, but they all differ from case to case. The severity of penalties, including jail time, also differ depending on the type of theft and the total accumulated value of the stolen items. Continue reading for a brief look at the standard penalties for common theft charges and convictions in Indiana.

Indiana Theft Charges and Penalties

Theft is considered the act of intentionally and knowledgeably exerting control over one’s property without consent or authorization. “Exerting control” can mean a variety of actions, including taking, possessing, obtaining, controlling, leading away, carrying, driving, concealing, selling, abandon, encumbering, conveying, transferring, securing, reproducing, or extending a right to another’s property.

In minor to moderate cases, theft is a Class A Misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. However, certain enhancements can increase the level of punishment. In moderate to major cases of theft, the crime ranges from Level 5 to Level 6 Felonies. Look below for details of each.

IC 35-43-4-2

Theft if a Level 6 Felony if:

➝ The value of stolen property is between $750 and $50,000.
➝ The stolen property is a firearm.
➝ The offender has a prior theft conviction of similar nature.
➝ And More

A Level 6 Felony punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Theft if a Level 5 Felony if:

➝ The value of stolen property is $50,000 or more.
➝ The stolen property is a valuable metal.
➝ The stolen property came from a hospital, healthcare facility, public utility, telecommunications provider, or key facility.
➝ The stolen property relates to transportation safety.
➝ The stolen property relates to public safety.
➝ The stolen property’s absent creates a risk of public safety or bodily injury to another person.
➝ And More

A Level 5 Felony punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Arrested for Theft?

Theft charges, as well as the laws surrounding theft in Indiana, are complex and vary from case to case. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney for help navigating your case, protecting your rights, and preserving your freedoms. With a reputable defense lawyer in your corner, you have the best chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your theft charges.

Indianapolis Theft Lawyer

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm uses every resource in our power to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Schedule a free initial consultation to begin strategizing a powerful and impactful defense for your theft charges. Avoid the maximum penalties for theft charges in Indiana with the help of David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law!