Are Burglary and Robbery Charges the Same in Indiana?

Posted on October 4, 2021 by admin

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

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?

Posted on March 4, 2021 by admin

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

The Difference Between Car Theft and Grand Theft Auto

Posted on October 14, 2019 by admin

Last week, we cleared up the confusion regarding the difference between burglary crimes and robbery crimes. Today, we will continue the discussion of Indiana theft laws and penalties by outlining the difference between two very common types of theft that involve cars: car theft and grand theft auto. Continue reading to get started.

Car Theft

Grand theft auto is the same offense as car theft. If a person steals a vehicle with the intent of keeping it, or not returning it, it is considered the crime of grand theft auto.

Theft of a motor vehicle is a Level 5 Felony crime in Indiana, which are punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and additional strict penalties. The type of felony and subsequent penalties can increase depending on the details and circumstances of the crime. Furthermore, auto theft does not apply to just cars and trucks; it also includes boats, motorcycles, campers, and other vehicles.

Criminal Conversion Theft

If a person commits theft of a vehicle without the intention of depriving the property forever, Indiana will charge this as “criminal conversion” instead of a felony theft charge. An example of criminal conversion would be borrowing a person’s car without their permission, but with the intent of returning it when finished. If you commit this crime, you could face Class A misdemeanor criminal charges. In some instances, Indiana will charge a person with a Class A misdemeanor if the property value is under a certain dollar amount; and amount that is generally at the prosecutor’s discretion.

Unauthorized Use (Joy-Riding)

If a person takes another person’s vehicle without permission with the intent to return it, they are violating Indiana’s Unauthorized Control of a Vehicle Statute, a crime commonly called joy-riding. Although it is a crime, it is not a car theft crime. Instead, it is charged as a less serious misdemeanor crime.

Car Rental Theft

In the case that a person rents a vehicle from a commercial business, and then fails to return it after 30 days of signing the rental car agreement (or 3 days following a written demand for the vehicle’s return), then they are guilty of an auto theft crime. If a written or mailed demand for the vehicle’s return is sent to the address on the signed agreement (in which case they would have 3 days to comply), but the person no longer lives there, they cannot use that as a defense.

Obtain an Aggressive Car Theft Lawyer in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with grand theft auto in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing car theft charges 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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Category Archives: Grand Theft Auto