Theft Charge Attorneys in Bloomington, IN

Indiana Theft Penalties

The penalties for theft in Indiana vary based on the value stolen and whether any aggravating factors exist. According to Indiana statutes, a stolen property’s worth is determined by its fair market value or replacement cost.

You could face the following penalties for theft based on the stolen property value:

• Less than $750: Class A misdemeanor; up to one year in jail and $5,000 maximum in fines.
• $750 to $49,999: Level 6 felony; six months to two and a half years incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines.
• $50,000 or more: Level 5 felony; one to six years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

If you have prior convictions for theft, burglary, robbery, or conversion, a subsequent theft charge is a level 6 felony. If the stolen property in a theft offense is a valuable metal (as defined in IC 25-37.5-1-1) and its absence causes substantial risk of bodily harm, you could be charged with a level 5 felony. You can also be charged with level 5 felony theft if the stolen property is a firearm.

Auto Theft Penalties

If you are convicted of theft due to stealing an automobile or receiving a stolen vehicle or parts, you could be charged with auto theft. The penalties are as follows:

• For a first offense: Level 6 felony; six months to two and a half years incarceration and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• For any subsequent offenses: Level 5 felony; one to six years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Criminal Conversion Penalties

If convicted of criminal conversion in Indiana, the standard penalty is a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors are punished by up to a year of incarceration and a maximum fine of $5,000.

When aggravating factors apply, the penalties for criminal conversion are as follows:

• If you fail to return a leased vehicle: Level 6 felony; six months to two and a half years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000.
• If you intend to use a vehicle to commit a felony: Level 6 felony; six months to two and a half years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000.
• If you use a vehicle to commit a felony: Level 5 felony; one to six years in prison with a maximum fine of $10,000.

Additional Consequences of Indiana Theft Convictions

In addition to jail and fines, a theft conviction on your record can disrupt and significantly impair your life. You could face any or more of the following collateral consequences after completing your sentence:

• Limited job opportunities
• Strained relationships with friends and family
• Revocation of your professional license
• Housing issues
• Probation or community service

Why You Need an Indiana Theft Defense Lawyer

A theft conviction on your criminal record puts your future in jeopardy. It’s not the time to risk it all and tackle your defense alone—even one careless mistake could result in a guilty verdict with the maximum sentence.

Regardless of the circumstances, every theft case can be helped through experienced legal representation. Bloomington theft defense attorney Allison Chopra has years of experience in the legal realm, including as a former criminal prosecutor. Because of this, Allison can better anticipate how the prosecutor will approach your theft case and prepare you with an effective defense.

Defenses to Indiana Theft Charges

You might feel helpless right now. Being charged with theft in Indiana can be overwhelming and scary. But your dedicated theft defense lawyer can provide valuable advice and options to defend yourself.

For example, Allison Chopra may find that any or more of the following defenses could be beneficial in your theft case:

• Your identity was mistaken
• You did not “intentionally or knowingly” steal the property
• The property belonged to you
• You had the owner’s consent or permission to possess the property
• Evidence against you was obtained during an unlawful search and seizure
• The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to convict you

We will gather as much evidence as possible to support our argument and establish doubt in the prosecution’s case. Even if there is too much evidence against you for us to fight the charges, Allison can negotiate to secure a desirable outcome, such as a reduced sentence, probation, restitution, or no jail time.

Avoid a Theft Conviction. Call Allison Chopra.

Being arrested for theft can be embarrassing and scary. You might have had a valid reason for stealing someone else’s property, such as financial troubles or an impulse control disorder. You deserve an attorney who approaches cases like yours with compassion, staying by your side throughout the legal process.

Fighting theft charges isn’t easy. But at Chopra Criminal Defense, we refuse to back down. With Allison’s aggressive tactics, distinguished legal experience, and sharp attention to detail, our team can help you.

If you’ve been charged with theft, shoplifting, or fraud in Indiana, don’t hesitate to contact Allison Chopra as soon as possible for a free, 30-minute consultation: (812) 671-0103.