Theft charges can tarnish your reputation, damage your career and threaten your freedom. If you or someone you love has been accused of theft in Indiana, you need a strong defense to clear your name and protect your rights. You need experienced Indiana theft defense attorney Zaki Ali.
For nearly 30 years, attorney Zaki Ali has been dedicated to providing exceptional, aggressive defense representation for all types of theft charges in Indiana. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges, you can turn to attorney Zaki Ali for fierce advocacy, the strongest possible defense and the best possible outcome to your case.
How Is Theft Defined?
Indiana Code § 35-43-4-2 defines theft as the act of intentionally or knowingly taking control of someone else’s property without the owner’s consent or:
- In a manner that’s different from the terms that the owner consented to
- With the use of false information or false promises (i.e., an act of fraud)
Under this law, theft can involve several different types of offenses, including (but not limited to):
- Fraud
- Shoplifting
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Car theft
- Criminal conversion (petty theft)
Understanding theft under Indiana law requires recognizing the element of “unauthorized control” over a person’s property. This means that the accused must have knowingly or intentionally exerted control over property belonging to another person without that person’s consent or by exceeding the scope of any consent given. The intent to deprive the property owner of the use or value of their property is a critical component of the crime.
The scope of theft crimes in Indiana is broad. For example, shoplifting is considered a form of theft where merchandise is taken from a retail establishment without paying. Robbery, on the other hand, involves taking property through force or intimidation, which carries more severe penalties. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside.
Car theft, or motor vehicle theft, is treated as a serious offense due to the high value and mobility of vehicles. Criminal conversion, often referred to as petty theft, involves unlawfully taking property of relatively low value.
Each type of theft offense is subject to different classifications and penalties under Indiana law. The value of the stolen property, the circumstances of the offense, and the defendant’s prior criminal history all influence how the charges are filed and prosecuted.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indiana can help individuals understand the complexities of theft charges, including the nuances of Indiana theft laws and the potential defenses available.
For instance, proving a lack of intent to permanently deprive the property owner, or demonstrating that the accused had the person’s consent to control the property, can be effective defenses.
Because theft cases often hinge on the interpretation of evidence and intent, a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential to uncover evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and defend the rights of the accused throughout the legal process.
If you are facing theft charges, consulting with a knowledgeable Indiana theft defense lawyer promptly can significantly impact the outcome of your case and help you navigate the legal system effectively.
Types Of Theft Charges & Penalties In Indiana
The level and severity of Indiana theft charges will depend on several different factors, including (but not limited to):
- The value of the property allegedly stolen
- Whether a weapon was used to commit the theft offense
- Whether the accused individual has prior theft convictions and, if so, how long it has been since the prior convictions
Here’s an overview of how different types of theft offenses are generally classified in Indiana, along with the potential penalties for each.
| Theft Charge | Penalties | Example Offense |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year imprisonment Up to $5,000 in fines | Welfare fraud or check fraud for amounts less than $750 |
| Class D/Level 6 Felony | 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment Up to $10,000 in fines | Receiving stolen auto parts |
| Class C/Level 5 Felony | 1 to 6 years imprisonment Up to $10,000 in fines | Motor vehicle theft |
Don’t Fight Theft Charges Alone: Contact Indiana Theft Defense Attorney Zaki Ali
When you or a loved one has been accused of theft in Indiana, you can count on Zaki Ali, Trial Lawyers, for compassionate legal guidance and aggressive advocacy. With experience as a former prosecutor, Indiana theft defense lawyer Zaki Ali has the skills and insight to:
- Effectively anticipate prosecutors’ strategies: This can be the key to crafting and presenting a formidable defense and, whenever possible, getting charges reduced or dismissed.
- Provide the highest quality defense representation: At the negotiating table, in court hearings, and throughout trial, attorney Zaki Ali will fight to bring your case to the best possible resolution.
Call 1-833-ZAKI-ALI (1-833-925-4254) or email attorney Zaki Ali now to schedule a consultation and get important answers about your rights and legal options. When your reputation, freedom and future are on the line, Indiana theft defense lawyer Zaki Ali can be an essential advocate who can make all the difference in the strength and outcome of your case.
Check out our case results and testimonials from former clients to see why we’re a leading criminal defense law firm in Indiana — and why you can rely on attorney Zaki Ali for exceptional theft defense representation.
