Theft Crime Defense Attorneys in Carmel, IN

Don’t Face Your Theft Charges Alone. Put a Proven Defense Lawyer on Your Side!

Your life can change in an instant following a theft crime accusation. Prosecutors will pursue the maximum penalties and build their case against you as soon as they’re aware of your charge. It doesn’t help that the other side of the courtroom can spew brutal attacks that could intimidate even the most fearless people.

Trust us; we’ve seen it all. We understand how important it is to have a dedicated, experienced attorney who treats their clients like a friend — a valued human being — not just a case number. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we provide hard-hitting defense in the courtroom and compassionate counsel outside of it. Thus, when you hire us to defend your theft charges, we will fight tirelessly for your best interests as if it were our own freedoms on the line.

Understanding Indiana’s Theft Laws

Indiana defines theft as a person knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over property of another person, with intent to deprive the other person of any part of its value or use.

The offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and/or up to $5,000 fines.

However, you can face harsher consequences under the following circumstances:

• Level 6 felony: The value of the property is $750 or more but less than $50,000, or the stolen property is a firearm, motor vehicle or component part of a motor vehicle. If you have a prior unrelated conviction for theft or criminal conversion, you may suffer a Level 6 felony as well.
• Level 5 felony: The value of the stolen property is at least $50,000 or the stolen property is a valuable metal as it relates to transportation or public safety, or the property is taken from a hospital, telecommunications provider, public utility or key facility and the absence of such property can create a risk of bodily injury. If you have a prior unrelated conviction for theft of a motor vehicle or component part, you could suffer a Level 5 felony charge.

Burglary

Although Indiana does not have a shoplifting statute, burglary is defined as a person who breaks and enters the building or structure of another person, with intent to commit a felony or theft in it. The offense is a Level 5 felony but can be increased to a Level 4 felony if the building or structure is a dwelling.

You may get a level 3 felony charge if the burglary results in bodily injury to someone other than yourself, and a Level 2 felony if the offense is committed while armed with a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury to someone other than yourself.

The worst-case scenario is a Level 1 felony charge, which involves the offense being committed in a dwelling and results in serious bodily injury to someone other than yourself.

Defending Theft Crimes Accusations in Carmel, IN

It’s fair to say that Indiana does not take theft charges lightly. As such, you need a serious theft crime defense lawyer who knows what it takes to win.

Depending on the circumstances of your unique case, we can employ defense strategies such as:

• You owned the property
• You returned the property
• You were intoxicated
• You were entrapped
• You didn’t do it
• You were misidentified as the suspect
• The “victim” lied

These are some of the various avenues we can explore when you consult with us. After thoroughly reviewing your case, we can guide you through your legal options and work to put your theft charges behind you.