Theft

Defending Against Theft Charges

Theft crimes refer to criminal activity in which a person takes, uses, or steals another person’s property without permission. The crime is either considered petty theft in which the stolen item(s) are valued at under $750, or grand theft in which the value of the item(s) stolen is over $750.

The prosecutors often seek strict penalties, which at a minimum include fines and a possibility of up to one year in jail. These charges can have a serious impact on your future as they can impact opportunities for credit, careers, and education.

If you are facing theft charges, it is imperative that you consult with a proven, trusted criminal defense attorney who can advocate for you and fight tirelessly to protect your rights. The attorneys at Jones Law Office are in your corner 100% of the time and ready to help craft the best defense strategy for you.

Call Jones Law Office today at (574) 239-7017 to find out how we can help you.

Why Should I Speak to a Theft Defense Attorney?

Many people find themselves in an altered state of mind when the theft crime is committed or are perhaps falsely accused or misunderstood. Yet, the penalties for being convicted of theft can be severe.

In the state of Indiana, theft charges can come in the form of a Class A Misdemeanor, a Level 6 Felony, and a Level 5 Felony. According to Indiana Code Sections 35-43-4-1 and 35-43-4-2, misdemeanor and felony charges for theft occur as follows:

• Class A Misdemeanors are typically for first offenses when the stolen property does not include firearms, vehicles, or vehicle parts. Additionally, if the stolen property amounts to less than $750, the charge is usually a Class A Misdemeanor. If convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, the convicted must pay a fine of $5,000 and can be jailed for up to a year.

• A Level 6 Felony for theft is when the stolen property’s worth is between $750 and $50,000, involves a firearm, vehicle, or parts of a vehicle, or this is not the first offense. The sentencing for one convicted of a Level 6 Theft Felony is typically 6 months to 2 ½ years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. It is possible, however, for a Level 6 Felony to be reduced to a Class A Misdemeanor for theft due to special circumstances, when the offender has no recent charges on their record.

• A Level 5 Felony for theft is the highest level for theft crimes in Indiana. One would be charged with a Level 5 Felony if the stolen property is worth at least $50,000; or the item stolen is a valuable metal and relates to transportation or public safety, or is taken from a hospital, health care facility, telecommunications provider, public utility, or key facility, and its absence could cause bodily harm. If convicted of a Level 5 Felony for theft, the convicted must pay a fine of up to $10,000 and be jailed for 1 to 6 years, with three years being the typical sentence.

If you are accused of theft, you need fast and dedicated representation to protect your future. The criminal defense attorneys at Jones Law Office will review your case and personal situation and help you understand your best potential options when facing charges.

At Jones Law Office we handle all levels of misdemeanor and felony cases, including:
• Class A Misdemeanors
• Class B Misdemeanors
• Class C Misdemeanors
• Level 1 Felonies
• Level 2 Felonies
• Level 3 Felonies
• Level 4 Felonies
• Level 5 Felonies
• Level 6 Felonies

Need a Theft Defense Attorney?

Call Jones Law Office today at (574) 239-7017 to find out how we can help build the best defense to protect you, your future, and your rights.