vandalism charges indiana | INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

There are several different types of property crimes that one can commit here in Indiana. From vandalism to arson, and many in between, Indiana does not take such offenses lightly. If you or someone you love was recently arrested or indicted on property crime charges, it is vital to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

In the meantime, continue below to review some of the most common types of property crimes in Indiana and the penalties that generally follow if convicted.

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What is a Property Crime?

A property crime is any type of intentional or unintentional act of destruction or theft to a private or public premises. In Indiana, they are punishable on a wide scale depending on circumstances and details of the crime, from Class C Misdemeanors to Level 1 Felonies.

☛ See Sentencing Guidelines for Indiana

Here are the most common types of property crimes in Indiana:

Theft

Also called larceny, theft crimes are any acts 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. Theft convictions range from Class A Misdemeanors to Level 5 Felonies depending on the value of stolen items and various other details.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is a type of theft crime in which a person intentionally conceals merchandise from a retail store without any intention of paying for it. Putting a book in your inside jacket pocket or a necklace in your purse at a store so that you can walk out without paying for them are examples of shoplifting. Shoplifting sentences depend on the total value of the items, but they commonly range from low level infractions to Class A Misdemeanors. In more serious cases, shoplifting charges can be Felonies.

Burglary

Burglary is another subcategory of theft. Different from robbery, which involves the use of a weapon, burglary is the act of unlawfully and forcibly entering a house, building, or enclosed structure with the intent of stealing property or possessions. It can also be unlawfully entering a house or enclosed structure for the purpose of committing another type of illegal act. Like most theft crimes, the charges for burglary can range from low misdemeanors to high felonies depending on the circumstances of the crime.

Robbery

Robbery is the crime of burglary and theft all in one, but with the use of a deadly weapon, force, or threat of force. Commanding a cashier to hand over all of the money in the cash register while showing them a gun on your belt would be the crime of robbery. Robbery is a serious theft crime, so it comes with much higher charges and penalties, usually Felonies.

Arson

Arson is the crime of intentionally setting fire to or burning a house, building, structure, or area of property such as a forest or park. If someone commits the violent crime of arson, and as a result, someone suffered bodily injury, the level of punishment drastically increases, as do the subsequent penalties upon conviction. Minor cases of arson, usually with juveniles, result in Misdemeanors, while more serious crimes of arson are charged as felonies.

Vandalism

Vandalism is a very common crime that can be as minor as writing your name in marker on the bathroom stall to graffitiing an entire building façade with spray paint. Any act that degrades, devalues, destructs, defaces, damages, or destroys a property is considered a crime of vandalism. Like most property crimes, the level of punishment depends on the severity of the crime and total value of damage. Sentences range from low-level infractions to Level 5 felonies.

Are you facing criminal charges for one of these types of property crimes in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free case evaluation for theft crimes in Indianapolis, IN today.

You Should Also Read:

Is it Possible to Reduce My Criminal Charges?
Possible Court-Ordered Penalties for Felonies and Misdemeanors in Indiana
Can I Be Arrested for Setting a Fire on My Property?

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Keying a Car

Whether your boyfriend was caught having dinner with another woman, or you had a revenge plan against a pal who betrayed you, keying their car is not the right way to get back at them for their moral crimes. Why? Well, you could face some pretty strict consequences if you are caught and prosecuted.

To make matters more risky, even if your friend does not wish to press charges against you, the state still might. Vandalism comes in many forms, but regardless, all forms are illegal, and categorized under “Criminal Mischief” under Indiana Code. The offense is also referred to as “criminal damage”, “malicious trespass”, or “malicious mischief.”

Below, you will find the standard levels of offenses and their subsequent penalties for vandalism in Indiana.

⚖ Criminal Mischief (Vandalism)

Indiana Code § 35-43-1-2: “A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally damages or defaces property of another person without the other person’s consent commits criminal mischief.”

Less Than $750 in Total Damages = Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail – Up to a $1,000 fine;

$750 – $50,000 = Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail – Up to a $5,000 fine;

More Than $50,000 = Level 6 Felony – Between 6 months and 2.5 years in jail – Up to a $10,000 fine;

Also a Level 6 Felony if damage causes substantial impairment of service to the public, done to a public record, or to a law enforcement animal (35-46-3-4.5)

Facing Vandalism Charges in Indianapolis?

If you vandalized property, whether a car or something else, the state has two years to file charges against you. Furthermore, you can also face a civil lawsuit brought on by the victim of the vandalism in order for them to recover additional compensation for their property damages. If you were caught, or have been suspected of, vandalism within the past two years, it would be wise to hire a seasoned criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to avoid the maximum penalties for your vandalism charges in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. During this meeting, which is free of charge, you have the opportunity to sit down with a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer and discuss your Indiana criminal charges and the best strategies for your defense, whether on a state or federal level. Get started as soon as today!

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Common Types of Property Crimes and Penalties in Indiana