Indiana has no law addressing the crime of shoplifting specifically, but that does not mean you are safe from severe consequences in the event that you are convicted of theft. This kind of conduct is generally treated harshly by the justice system.
If the police arrested you after an alleged shoplifting incident, you need accurate and current information. Below is a brief overview of the crime known as shoplifting to most Indiana residents.
What charges will you face?
Taking items from any commercial establishment will be charged as theft. The severity of the charges can vary, depending on the value of the stolen property and associated factors.
If the value is less than $750, you will probably face a class A misdemeanor charge. However, if the value is between $750 and $49,999, it escalates to a level 6 felony. For property valued at $50,000 or more, the charge can be elevated to a level 5 felony.
What are the possible penalties?
Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can impact your life, resulting in a year in jail and fines approaching $5,000. For felonies, the stakes are even higher. A level 6 felony leads to more than two years of incarceration, while a level 5 felony means more than six years in prison.
Do you have a potential defense?
You may feel there is little reason for hope, but an effective defense may be possible. One approach involves challenging the required element of intent. Three other possibilities involve arguing mistaken identity, accidental taking or lack of evidence.
The point is – don’t give up. With experienced guidance, you potentially can defend yourself against theft charges successfully.
