Stealing in Indiana: A Deep Dive into the Legal Consequences

Welcome to our deep dive into the legal consequences of stealing in Indiana. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the laws surrounding theft, shoplifting, Grand theft auto, and other related offenses in the Hoosier State. Understanding these laws is crucial, as they act as a deterrent and help maintain law and order within society.

This post is meant to be informative and help educate readers on the potential repercussions of such actions. However, it is important to note that this should not be used as legal advice, but rather as a resource to increase awareness about the seriousness of stealing and its consequences in Indiana. Stay tuned as we delve into the nuances of Indiana’s theft laws.

Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Theft Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Theft Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana

Definition of Stealing in Indiana

Before we dive into the legal consequences, it is essential to define what constitutes stealing in Indiana. According to Indiana Code 35-43-4-2, a person steals when they knowingly or intentionally exert unauthorized control over another’s property with the intent to deprive the other person of use or benefit thereof. This definition covers a wide range of actions, from petit and grand theft to shoplifting, embezzlement, robbery, burglary, and fraud. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the different forms of stealing and how they are punished under Indiana law.

Types of Stealing

As mentioned earlier, there are various types of stealing that are recognized under Indiana law. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones:

Petit and Grand Theft

Theft is defined as taking someone else’s property without their consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. This includes stealing belongings from a person, vehicle, or building. It can also involve fraudulent activities such as credit card fraud or identity theft. Car theft and Grand theft auto are also common types of theft crimes in the U.S. In all cases, theft is considered a misdemeanor (petit) or felony (grand) offense in Indiana depending on the type of stolen property and overall value. Both crimes can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the value of the stolen property.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting falls under the category of theft and is defined as intentionally taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. This can include hiding items in clothing or bags, switching price tags, or altering receipts. Shoplifting is taken seriously in Indiana, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time, depending on the value of the stolen goods. Additionally, many stores have protocols in place to prevent and catch shoplifters, making it even riskier to engage in this activity.

Car Theft

Whether one is charged with car theft or grand theft auto hinges primarily on the intentions of the person taking the vehicle. Car theft, often classified under “conversion”, involves taking someone else’s car without their permission but with the intent of returning it, such as someone borrowing a friend’s car without asking. On the other hand, grand theft auto is a more serious offense. It involves not only the unauthorized taking of a vehicle but also the intention to permanently deprive the owner of it. This could be through selling the car or stripping it for parts. Understanding these differences is critical, as it directly impacts the legal consequences that may follow.

Legal Consequences

Now that we have a better understanding of the different forms of stealing, let’s take a look at the potential legal consequences in Indiana. As mentioned before, theft is considered a felony offense and can result in imprisonment for up to two years and fines up to $10,000. The severity of the punishment depends on the value of the stolen property or services. For example, if the stolen property is worth less than $750, it is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. On the other hand, if the value is over $100,000, it is considered a Level 2 felony with penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Additionally, if a person has prior theft convictions on their record, they may face enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stealing is a serious offense in Indiana and can result in significant legal consequences. It is important to understand the different types of stealing and their corresponding punishments to make informed decisions and avoid breaking the law. We hope this deep dive into the legal consequences of stealing in Indiana has been informative and helps spread awareness about the seriousness of this crime. Remember, it is always best to respect others’ property and avoid engaging in any form of theft or fraud.

Are you or your minor child facing criminal charges for theft or shoplifting 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!

Related Posts:

Typical Sentence for Indiana Shoplifting Charge
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

Were you recently arrested for shoplifting? Petty or not, you are facing some serious criminal charges as an Indiana resident. However, with the right representation and knowledge, you can fight your shoplifting charges in order to avoid the maximum penalties typically handed down in court upon sentencing. Continue reading to learn what to expect in terms of being sentenced for shoplifting in Indiana, as well as, who to trust for aggressive criminal defense near you.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indiana Shoplifting Crimes

Here in Indiana, the crime of shoplifting falls under the umbrella category of larceny, which is theft. In fact, there is not a separate crime specifically for shoplifting; it is simply charged as theft. In However, shoplifting is still appointed a definition, which is willfully taking and concealing merchandise that is for sale, and in turn, permanently depriving the owner of the merchandise by not paying the purchasing price. From minor shoplifting and burglary, to robbery, fraud, grand theft auto, embezzlement, and more, the list of possible types of theft crimes is virtually endless.

Theft Penalties

Unfortunately, theft is charged as a felony in our state. But when it comes to the crime of shoplifting, you can feel relief knowing that, because it is more on the minor side of theft offenses, shoplifters are often prosecuted for a lesser offense known as conversion, which is typically a Class A Misdemeanor. You see, while theft is considered an act of taking something that belongs to someone else with the intention of depriving them of that item forever, the act of conversion occurs when a person takes something from someone without permission, but with the intention of returning. This is referred to under law as criminal conversion, which 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.

However, after being arrested for shoplifting, it is not guaranteed that you will be charged with conversion. That is because the overall monetary value of the items stolen will greatly affect your ultimate sentence. The higher the value, the more severe of a sentence you can expect. 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.

Here are the standard sentences for shoplifting in Indiana, which can be read in detail under Indiana Code §35-43-4-1 through §35-43-4-3:

Value Less than $750 = Class A Misdemeanor
Value Between $750 and $50,000 = Level 6 Felony
Value Greater Than $50,000 (or a Vehicle) = Level 5 Felony

Prosecutors in Indiana have the discretion of charging a defendant with something as low as an infraction, to something as high as a Level 5 felony. For instance, a teenager who steals a pack of gum from the gas station will likely get off with an infraction, while a habitual cat burglar will be handed down a severe sentence that likely includes jail time.

Your Best Option for Beating an Indiana Theft Charge

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with shoplifting or theft in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. Our law firm offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing theft crimes in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

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