Facts About Burglary Charges and Robbery Charges in Indiana

When you think of theft, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a person stealing something from a store. But in Indiana, there are different classifications of theft charges, and each one can carry serious penalties. If you are convicted of burglary, for example, you could face up to 30 years in prison. Robbery is another charge that can result in a long prison sentence; if you are convicted of robbery, you could spend up to 20 years behind bars. These are just two examples of the many theft charges that exist in Indiana. If you have been charged with any type of theft, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on your options and help protect your rights.

For now, continue below to dive deeper into the difference between burglary and robbery, including how their charges might render separate penalties in Indiana.

If Facing Robbery Charges in Indianapolis, Call 317-636-7514 Today!
If Facing Robbery Charges in Indianapolis, Call 317-636-7514 Today!

Burglary Versus Robbery in Indiana

In Indiana, robbery and burglary are two separate crimes with different elements and punishments. Burglary is defined as the illegal entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside it, while robbery involves theft by force or threat of force.

Burglary Crimes

Burglary in Indiana can be charged as either a Class D felony or a Class A misdemeanor. The felony charge applies when the burglar enters the building with an intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft. A Class D felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.

Robbery Crimes

Robbery is a more serious crime than burglary and is treated as a Level 3 felony in Indiana. This means that if convicted, the individual will face up to 16 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Robbery occurs when someone takes something belonging to someone else by force or threat of force, such as through violence or intimidation.

Theft Charges in Indiana are Serious Criminal Cases

It is important to remember that burglary and robbery are both serious offenses in Indiana and can result in significant jail time, fines, and other penalties. If you have been charged with either of these crimes, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal process, as well as identify any potential defenses you may have. Don’t risk going through the legal system alone; make sure to protect your rights and get the help of an experienced attorney.

This blog was written for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have been charged with burglary or robbery in Indiana, contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak to a seasoned Indianapolis theft lawyer you can trust. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Are Burglary and Robbery Charges the Same in Indiana?

Burglary and robbery are two separate types of theft crimes that come with a separate set of penalties here in Indiana. Continue reading to learn the difference between burglary and robbery, including how they are penalized and the best way to avoid their maximum penalties.

Theft Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Theft Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Burglary and Robbery Fall Under the Category of Theft

It is common to confuse the crime of burglary with the crime of robbery. Many are unaware that there is a distinct legal difference.

Robbery – Robbery is the crime of taking a person’s property or money by force, violence, or intimidation, with the intent of withholding such property from them permanently.

Burglary – Burglary is the crime of illegally entering or breaking into a residence, building, or structure with the intent of committing a felony-level theft offense.  

Here in Indiana, the punishments for burglary and theft are much different, and depend on the specific variables of the crime.

Burglary Penalties in Indiana

If a person breaks into a place that is not a dwelling or residence, such as a business or storage unit, the act is charged as a Level 5 felony. Level 5 felons are generally sentenced to anywhere from 1 to 6 years in prison with an advisory jail time of 3 years, and up to $10,000 in fines.

If a person unlawfully enters or breaks into a dwelling or residence, such as a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, or town home, the act is charged as a Level 4 felony. Level 4 felonies are punishable by 2 to 12 years in prison with an advisory jail time of 6 years, and up to $10,000 in fines.

If a person is injured during the burglary, the offense bumps up to a Level 3 felony, which is punishable by 3 to 16 years in prison with an advisory jail time of 9 years, and up to $10,000 in fines.

See the Indiana Code Section 35-43-2-1 to learn the details surrounding the statutes and penalties for burglary.

Robbery Penalties in Indiana

If a person commits the crime of robbery, they are generally charged with a Level 5 Felony, which is penalized by up to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

If a person uses a deadly weapon to commit robbery, it is charged as armed robbery, which comes with more serious penalties. Armed robbery is charged as a Level 3 Felony, which as already mentioned, is punishable by up to 16 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Repeat offenders can face up to three times the advisory prison sentences for robbery.

See the Indiana Code Section 35-43-5-1 to learn the details surrounding the statutes and penalties for robbery.

Are you facing felony theft charges like robbery or burglary in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for the best chance at reducing or beating your theft charges in Indianapolis. We represent defendants all throughout the state, and can hold consultations and meetings in person or over the phone.

You Should Also Read:

The Difference Between Car Theft and Grand Theft Auto
Were You Charged With Misdemeanor or Felony Theft in Indiana?
Typical Sentence for Indiana Shoplifting Charge

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Were You Charged With Misdemeanor or Felony Theft in Indiana?

Contact Attorney David E. Lewis if Were Arrested on for a Theft Crime in Indiana

Whether you have pending shoplifting, robbery, burglary, or grand theft auto charges, our skilled Indianapolis criminal defense legal teams are aggressive, and can build you a strong and impactful defense to protect you from the maximum penalties for your theft charges in Indiana.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Theft Crime Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Theft Charges are No Match for Attorney David E. Lewis

When it comes to theft charges, it is critical to choose the right defense attorney to preserve and protect your rights. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, provides a level of defense that few other firms can match. He will build a strong argument for your case to gain a more promising outcome for you and your future.

Whether arrested for burglary or grand theft auto, our Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense law firm has the drive and determination necessary to reduce theft charges, dismiss cases, or enter into an alternative sentencing agreement. Our esteemed and seasoned legal teams will stop at nothing to win a more successful outcome in court for you. We work hard to protect our client’s well-being, future, and good name.

Sentences for Theft Crimes in Indiana

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

Preserving Your Rights and Protecting Your Freedoms After a Theft Arrest in Indiana

Attorney David E. Lewis and his seasoned staff of legal professionals know exactly how the criminal law process works here in Indiana, and on a Federal level. Our law firm has a full understanding of courtroom strategies and tactics, and remain current and well-versed in criminal legislation. Whether you are facing grand theft auto, robbery, shoplifting, burglary, or some other petit grand theft crime that falls between, our acute knowledge and years of hands-on experience gives us the litigation skills needed to get the best possible resolution to your Indiana criminal case. Attorney David E. Lewis stops at nothing to make sure your rights are protected, and your freedoms preserved. This means avoiding jail time.

Arrested for theft crimes in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free case evaluation online, over-the-phone, or in-person at our Indianapolis office.

You Should Also Read:

The Difference Between Car Theft and Grand Theft Auto
Standard Indiana Penalties for Theft Convictions
Typical Sentence for Indiana Shoplifting Charge

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Attorney David E. Lewis Offers Impactful Criminal Defense for Theft Crime Offenses in Indiana

Theft Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Theft Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

There are several types of theft crimes a person can face in Indiana. Whether charged with petty shoplifting, or arrested for auto theft, theft crimes can come with lasting consequences and serious legal penalties. If you were arrested for a theft crime in Indiana, it is vital to your case to learn your rights and the penalties you face. You could be sentenced to prison, extreme fines, and more if you do not take action fast. The only way to protect yourself from receiving the maximum penalties for theft charges is to hire a tough and experienced criminal lawyer.

Attorney David E. Lewis has represented numerous theft crime cases, and can save you from unfair penalization for theft charges. He is the theft lawyer that is known for aggressive and powerful defense, using his thorough understanding of courtroom procedures and tactics from his hands-on experience to win the most favorable outcome possible for his clients. Look below at all of the different cases our law firm handles here in Indiana.

Our Theft Crimes Defense Practice Areas Include:

AUTO THEFT
CREDIT CARD THEFT
BURGLARY
FRAUD
SHOPLIFTING
ACCEPTING STOLEN GOODS
MISDEMEANOR THEFT
FELONY THEFT
ROBBERY
AND MORE

Auto Theft Charges

The act of stealing a vehicle is called auto theft. Although portrayed differently in the media, car theft is not the glamorous and exciting crime as seen on television, but rather a serious Indiana felony crime that comes with lasting consequences. If you have been charged with auto theft in Indiana, it is vital to your future and your freedom to retain competent legal services. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has extensive trial and litigation experience in the criminal law field and knows how to position you in front of the courts in a way that’s most favorable to your case.

Robbery and Burglary Charges

Burglary, also referred to as “breaking and entering”, is a serious felony crime that often results in multiple criminal charges since more than one crime is usually committed. A person can be charged with the crime of burglary if they illegally enter any type of structure, not just homes. This includes businesses, schools, trailers, campers, houseboats, tents, campsites, and more. Robbery is the crime of taking another person’s money or property by either instilling fear in them, or using force, violence, or intimidation.

Depending on whether or not a weapon was used to commit the crime, robbery is generally charged as either Level 6 or Level 5 felony offenses. In Indiana, the penalties for robbery and burglary charges are at felony levels, and can affect several aspects of your life, both instantaneously and long-term. To avoid prison sentences and over-penalization, you need a theft attorney who knows burglary and robbery criminal law. David E. Lewis is the tough and driven criminal lawyer that will work around the clock to and protect your best interests and secure your freedom!

Shoplifting Charges

Taking merchandise from a commercial store or business without paying for it is a shoplifting crime. But for objects of high value, a person can potentially face grand larceny charges, an offense that comes with a much more serious conviction. Although not the most serious of misdemeanor and felony theft crimes, shoplifting is still penalized harshly in Indiana, and can subject a person to jail time and expensive fines. With competent legal counsel, however, those charged with shoplifting have a stronger chance at dropping or reducing their charges and avoiding strict penalties!

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your theft criminal charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation! Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.