Theft Attorneys in Lake County IN

Theft Attorneys in Lake County IN

“Theft” refers to taking property or money from another party without authority with the intention of permanently depriving the rightful owner. Theft crimes can vary widely, as there are many ways that theft can occur. However, one thing is for certain – the penalties for theft convictions in Indiana can be harsh, and you want to fight against theft charges whenever possible. 

If you are accused of theft, you want the right theft attorneys in Lake County, IN, on your side. Contact the legal team of Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, to discuss how we can assist you. 

Types of Theft Crimes

Theft involves taking property without the owner’s consent, and this can be accomplished in different ways. Some acts that fall under the category of “theft” include:

• Stealing, which involves physically taking something that is not yours
• Shoplifting, which is stealing from a retail establishment
• Fraud, which uses false information to obtain property or money
• Threats to a person’s property or rights, which can be called blackmail or extortion
• Robbery, which utilizes violence or violent threats to take something directly from another person

Robbery differs from other theft crimes because it is considered to be a violent offense in addition to a theft offense. 

No matter what type of theft charges you face, it is important to seek defense assistance right away, as the consequences can be more serious than you might think. 

Potential Serious Penalties

In Indiana, the possible penalties for theft convictions largely depend on the value of what was allegedly stolen, as well as the type of property taken. The following are possible charges and penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor theft – This charge generally applies to first-time theft offenses when the value of the property is less than $750 and is not a motor vehicle or a firearm. Penalties can include $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
• Level 6 felony theft – This applies when someone takes something worth $750 to $50,000, has prior theft convictions, or takes a firearm or motor vehicle. Penalties can include $10,000 in fines, as well as six months to 30 months in prison. 
• Level 5 felony theft – These charges apply to theft of property worth more than $50,000, second-time motor vehicle theft, or theft of certain valuable metal, such as copper piping.

Even if you are accused of stealing something worth $10, you can still end up with a criminal record and lasting consequences. This is why having the best defense possible is essential for any theft case.

Consult with Theft Attorneys in Lake County, IN Right Away

At The Law Offices of Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we know that all types of theft charges can result in life-changing consequences. We bring all of our resources and experience to the table in every theft case we handle, whether it involves accusations of shoplifting small items or complex and costly fraud schemes. 

Contact us as soon as possible so we can begin investigating the circumstances of your charges and building the strongest possible defense. Don’t wait to start protecting your rights by scheduling a consultation with our team today.