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Northwest Indiana Theft Lawyers

If you or a loved one is charged with theft in Indiana, you know just how frightening and stressful impending criminal proceedings can be. From the initial arrest to subsequent interrogations, there is no aspect of the criminal procedure that is not anxiety-inducing or nerve-wracking. At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we understand what you are going through and want to help ease your anxiety by advising you on what to expect throughout the entire process as well as guide you on what you can and should not do to obtain a favorable verdict.

Consequences of Theft Charges in Indiana

A theft conviction can follow you around for the rest of your life, not to mention negatively impact your immediate future. The potential penalties of a theft conviction vary depending on the value of the items stolen as well as the nature of the items. However, common consequences include the following:

  • A jail or prison sentence;
  • Excessive fines;
  • A permanent criminal record that may hinder your ability to obtain gainful employment or rent a home or apartment;
  • Revocation of any professional licenses you hold, such as your teaching credential, license to practice medicine, or CDL; and
  • If you are not an American citizen, revocation of your green card, denied citizenship, or deportation.

Our team will use facts, evidence, and witness testimony to back your case. We will also strive to identify holes or faults in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage. Though we always strive to obtain dismissed charges, at the very least, we can convince the jury to reduce the charges against you and let you off with a lighter sentence.

How Indiana Categorizes Theft

Indiana is one of the few states that does not differentiate between “petty theft” and “grand theft.” In the state’s eyes, theft is theft and is illegal regardless of the value of the property stolen. However, the state does recognize that some theft crimes are considerably worse than others and may take the value and type of property into consideration when determining a sentence. It will also take the year in which the crime occurred into consideration.

If you committed the crime before July 1, 2014, the penalties for your actions may be as follows:

  • For property valued at less than $100,000, you would be guilty of a Class D felony, which carries a jail sentence of between six months and three years and a fine of up to $10,000; and
  • For property valued at greater than $100,000, the state may charge you with a Class C felony and sentence you to between two and eight years in prison and charge you with a fine of up to $10,000.

If you committed the crime after July 1, 2014, the penalties may be less severe, and the courts may refer to the following sentencing structure:

  • For property valued at less than $750, the state may charge you with a Class A misdemeanor, sentence you up to one year in jail, and charge you a fine of up to $5,000;
  • For property valued at between $750 and $49,999, the jury may find you guilty of a Level 6 felony. This type of crime is punishable by between six months and two and a half years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000;
  • For property worth $50,000 or more, you may be guilty of a Level 5 felony, which is punishable by between one and six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

You are not off the hook if someone else stole the property and you merely accepted it. This too is a crime in Indiana and is punishable as if you stole the property yourself. That means that if you accepted stolen goods valued at $100,000 or less prior to July 1, 2014, the state could charge you with a Class D felony. If you accepted property worth $50,000 or more after July 1, 2014, you may go to jail for one to six years and have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. If you know or suspect that you own stolen goods, it would be in your best interests to talk to an attorney.

Auto Theft

Stealing another person’s vehicle or stripping another person’s vehicle for parts to sell is a separate offense in Indiana. If you committed the offense prior to July 1, 2014, the crime is classified as a Class D felony and is punishable by between six months and three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. However, if it is your second offense, the state may charge you with a Class C felony, which carries a prison sentence of between two and eight years and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you committed the crime after July 1, 2014, the state may charge you with a Level 6 felony. This is punishable by between six months and two and a half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A second or subsequent offense is a Level 5 felony and carries a prison sentence of between one and six years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Retain the Help of an Indiana Theft Attorney

If you were charged with a theft crime, your present, and your future may be at stake. The theft crimes defense lawyers at Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, are prepared to aggressively defend your rights and fight for your freedom. Contact our Merrillville law firm today to learn more.

For an aggressive and effective legal team to advocate on your behalf, call the firm at 219-736-6500 or use the convenient online contact form on this site.

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We understand that life doesn’t always go the way you plan. That’s why we accept credit cards and offer payment plans.

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Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.

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