Theft Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis

Defending Clients Accused of a Theft Crime

Theft in Indiana can be defined in many ways. Whether the individual stole a motor vehicle, is accused of shoplifting, or engaged in fraud, these crimes carry significant penalties that can seriously impact a person’s future if convicted. If you have been charged with a theft-related crime, please don’t wait to contact an experienced theft defense lawyer to help fight your charges.

Our legal team handles many theft-related cases, including auto theft, misdemeanor theft, shoplifting, criminal conversion, and more. We know what it takes to overcome these serious criminal charges, and we will work tirelessly to get you the best outcome possible in your case. We can coach you on interacting with police officers so you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself. We will also protect your Constitutional rights and hold law enforcement officers accountable for violating those rights.

When you are facing charges in the criminal justice system, you need defense lawyers you can trust to fight aggressively for you. Our legal team will leave no stone unturned as we develop a defense strategy to match your unique circumstances and goals. Call 765-563-4644 immediately to learn about how we can help in a free initial consultation.

What Are Indiana’s Laws Regarding Theft?

Indiana code defines theft as when someone attempts to knowingly or intentionally exert control over another person or another person’s property to deprive them of the value or use of that item. In some cases, the theft crime will be considered a misdemeanor theft. However, if the property is worth at least $750 and less than $50,000, the crime may be considered a Level 6 Felony theft.

Exerting unauthorized control means the action occurred without the other person’s consent, including dishonestly creating a false impression. If someone uses a position of power or abuses a relationship of special trust, this may also constitute theft. Theft law also extends to taking intellectual property, including taking recorded sounds or live performances to make a profit.

The theft of an item valued at less than $750 may be called petty theft in other states. However, Indiana does not have a specific petty theft law. Rather, exerting unauthorized control over property valued at less than $750 may lead to charges of a Class A misdemeanor.

What Penalties Could I Face for a Theft Conviction?

A conviction for a theft crime can lead to jail time, imprisonment, and thousands of dollars in fines. The extent of your punishment depends on many factors, including the level of sentencing and whether aggravating factors were present when the crime was committed. For example, wielding a firearm or causing bodily injury to someone else while committing theft may result in an enhanced sentence.

In general, sentencing depends on the level of crime committed, as follows:

Class A Misdemeanor – jail time of up to one year and fines of up to $5,000
Level 6 Felony – up to two and a half years in jail and fines of up to $10,000
Level 5 Felony – up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines

Contact a theft lawyer immediately for the best chances of getting your charges dropped or reduced. Your theft attorney can construct a strong defense to protect your freedom and way of life. Please don’t wait any longer. Call Wade Trial Lawyers today to avoid maximum sentencing and protect your rights.

What Defense Strategies Can Help Me Defeat My Indiana Theft Charges?

Whether you have been charged with felony theft, criminal conversion, auto theft, grand theft, or any other theft in Indiana, please contact a criminal defense team right away. Your theft lawyer can protect your Constitutional rights and ensure you get the lightest possible sentence. They will handle your case in a reasonable time and construct a defense that matches your unique case.

Some possible defenses that could be effective for theft-related legal issues include:

Entrapment
Mistaken identity
Lack of admissible evidence
Acting in self-defense
Acting under threat of harm
Acting under strong provocation
Making or intending to make restitution

Even if this is your first-time offense, you should take your theft charges seriously. Theft crimes are heavily punished in Indiana, so hiring a knowledgeable theft attorney to defend you against aggressive prosecutors is crucial. You can help your case by invoking your right to remain silent until speaking with an Indianapolis theft lawyer. You can discuss further options with your theft attorney, such as returning the stolen property to make restitution.

Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer When I’m Facing Theft Charges?

When someone commits theft in Indiana, they should act quickly to get ahead in the legal process. This includes calling a law firm immediately to get counsel and adequate legal representation. A theft case can be quite complex, with different sides having their own versions of the story. Your defense team will investigate to help determine what really happened and provide evidence that you don’t deserve the maximum sentencing.

Some other ways a lawyer can help are:

Advising you on how to respond to law enforcement questions
Conducting a thorough investigation to prove you did not have intent to deprive
Assessing the prosecution’s evidence to prove it is inadmissible
Negotiating a plea bargain to avoid going to court if possible
Representing you aggressively before a judge and jury if necessary
Helping with the expungement process to remove the charges from your criminal record
Utilizing community service and other strategies to lower sentencing

Should You Hire Our Indianapolis Theft Lawyers?

A theft conviction can mean jail time, fines, and years with a criminal record that prevents you from living your life. With so much at stake, you need excellent attorneys who understand Indiana law and will fight for you. You need the legal team at Wade Trial Lawyers.

Our law firm has extensive experience with theft crimes, including felony theft, misdemeanor theft, auto theft, individuals with a prior unrelated conviction, theft of a valuable metal, and more. We can help prove that you are not a substantial risk to society and deserve a second chance. We will fight for your charges to be lowered as we protect your legal rights.

Call 765-563-4644 to learn how we can help you through this complex legal process. Our legal team will happily meet with you for a free initial case review, so call today!