When you contact an Evansville property crimes lawyer, one of the first questions you will have to answer is: what is the exact type of offense you were charged with? Most clients use the general term of theft. However, the law specifies several theft-related offenses, which require specific approaches to your defense.
For this reason, today we will discuss in detail the different types of charges that fall under the general umbrella of theft offenses.
1. Shoplifting
The act of shoplifting covers several aspects:
- Removing an item from a store without paying its retail price
- Changing price labels between two products to pay a lower price
- Applying a discount label on a product which is not part of the promotion
Even the simple act of forgetting to scan an item at the self-checkout machine can lead to a shoplifting charge. Offering to return the item or pay its full value may or may not put an end to your criminal case. You should not downplay the potential penalties of this type of theft charge.
2. Criminal Conversion
The charge of criminal conversion refers to knowingly and intentionally taking temporary control of someone else’s property. This applies to any kind of action when you take someone’s property for a period of time and then return it. The act of returning the item does not make the criminal offense disappear.
Indiana law treats it as a Class A misdemeanor. However, if you temporarily take control of a person’s automobile to assist the person in committing a crime, the charge becomes a Level 6 felony.
3. Automobile Theft and Receiving Stolen Parts
Car theft is one of the separate theft-related offenses according to Indiana laws, being treated as a felony, not misdemeanor. It refers not only to the entire vehicle, but also to separate parts of it.
If you get a set of car tires from a friend and these items are stolen, you will be charged with receiving stolen automobile parts.
4. Embezzlement
This term describes the offense of theft of money or goods entrusted to the person by their rightful owner. It is often brought by an employer against an employee in charge of overseeing the finances or movable property of the company.
If you were accused of embezzlement, make sure to contact an experienced Evansville property crimes lawyer as soon as possible.
5. Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud falls under the theft-related offenses in Indiana. It refers to the unauthorized taking of another person’s credit card information to charge purchases or withdraw cash.
This type of offense falls into two categories:
- Account takeover – the criminal hijacking of an existing card account
- Application fraud – opening an account in another person’s name
How Indiana Law Punishes Theft-Related Offenses
By contrast to other states, Indiana classifies theft charges depending on the amount in question. If the value of the goods is less than $750, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to 1 year in prison.
If the amount is $750 or more, the offense becomes a Level 6 Felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and between 6 months and 2.5 years in prison.
Car theft is classified separately as a Level 5 Felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and between 1 and 6 years in prison.
Let an Experienced Evansville Property Crimes Lawyer Defend You!
All types of theft-related offenses are extremely serious in our state. This is why you should act quickly if you are charged and contact an experienced Evansville property crimes lawyer.
Verdelski Miller has over 30 years of experience and more than 85 jury trials. He will fight tirelessly for your rights and push for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at 812-247-6453!
