Have you been arrested for theft in Indiana? If so, you should be aware that the Indiana criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Stracci Law are ready to stand by your side and fight for you. We serve clients in Crown Point, Hammond, Valparaiso, and throughout Northwest Indiana.
Types of Theft Crimes in Northwest Indiana
Theft involves the exercise of “unauthorized control” over property that does not belong to you, with the intention of depriving the owner of its use or value. Following is a list of Indiana theft crimes.
Misdemeanor Theft
In Indiana, theft is usually a misdemeanor if the property’s value is less than $750. In some cases, however, stealing property worth less than $750 still crosses the line from a misdemeanor to a felony. Please contact us for more information about your unique situation and a more detailed clarification.
Felony Theft
In Indiana, “felony theft” refers to the theft of property worth $750 or more. In addition, a prior theft-related conviction can elevate the offense to a felony. Although felony theft is a serious felony, an experienced felony theft attorney might be able to have your charge reduced to a misdemeanor or even win you an acquittal.
Identity Deception
“Identity deception” is a colloquial term that refers to fraudulently obtaining, possessing, transferring, or using someone’s identifying information in order to claim to be another person.
Robbery
Robbery is different from other theft crimes because the perpetrator takes the property by force, fear, or threat. If you are facing a robbery charge, a robbery attorney is a necessity, not a luxury. An experienced attorney for robbery will ensure you have the best outcome possible.
Retail Theft (Shoplifting)
Retail theft, or shoplifting, means simply the theft of merchandise from a retail establishment. Indiana does not have a separate crime called “retail theft” or “shoplifting.” Nevertheless, you should contact a shoplifting attorney immediately if you face a shoplifting charge.
Auto Theft
Auto theft is the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Auto theft is unique because motor vehicles are (i) valuable (ii) mobile, and (iii) titled property (making them easier to trace). Contact a car theft attorney immediately if you are charged with auto theft.
Penalties for Theft Crimes
The penalties for theft vary tremendously. The classification of theft crimes ranges from a Level 5 felony to a Level 6 felony to a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties fall within the following ranges:
- Level 5 felony (theft of property worth at least $50,000 and certain other serious thefts): One to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Level 6 felony (theft of property worth at least $750, theft of a firearm or motor vehicle, prior theft related convictions, and certain other theft offenses): Incarceration for six to 30 months and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class A Misdemeanor (any theft that Indiana does not constitute a felony): Incarceration for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $5,000
How Does Stracci Law Group Defend You Against Theft Charges?
Remember--the prosecutor must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced theft defense lawyer knows many ways to challenge a prosecutor’s case and establish reasonable doubt. One way of doing this is to challenge whether you acted knowingly or intentionally. Another way is to challenge the value of the property to secure a more lenient sentence.
Call Stracci Law Group and Get Help From Experienced Theft Crime Attorneys!
Have you been searching online for a “theft attorney near me?” The attorneys at Stracci Law Group have the experience and knowledge to resolve your theft case.
Theft Lawyers Near Me
If Indiana has charged you with a theft crime, call Stracci Law Group at 219-525-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Crown Point [46307, 46308], Hammond [46320, 46323, 46324, 46327], Gary [46402, 46404, 46405, 46406], Merrillville [46410, 46411], Portage [46368, 46403], Valparaiso [46383, 46384, 46385] and elsewhere in Northwest Indiana.
