New Indiana Theft and Shoplifting Laws Became Effective July 1, 2014
Indiana laws on theft and shoplifting have been changed effective July 1, 2014. Offenses committed before July 1, 2014 are still subject to the old theft law. The new law provides:
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Theft of property worth less than $750 is a Class A misdemeanor. However, if a person has a prior conviction for theft or conversion, the offense is a Level 6 felony.
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Theft of property worth at least $750 is a Level 6 felony.
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Theft is a Level 5 felony if the property was at least $50,000.
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Auto theft is a Level 6 felony. However, the offense is a Level 5 felony if the person has a prior theft conviction.
Theft Convictions Can Be Expunged in Indiana, including Level 5 and Level 6 Felony Charges
All theft convictions can be expunged. However, the level of offense dictates when a person can file for expungement. The 2014 expungement law provides:
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Misdemeanor theft convictions, including Level 6 felonies that receive misdemeanor treatment, can be expunged 5 years after the conviction date
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Level 6 felony theft convictions can be expunged 8 years after the conviction date
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Level 5 felony theft convictions can be expunged either 8 years after the conviction date or 3 years from the completion of a person’s sentence, whichever comes later.
Because the offense level dictates when you can expunge your criminal record, it is important to retain an experienced defense attorney who will aggressively defend your case. If you are charged with a Level 6 felony theft, you may qualify to have any judgment entered as a Class A misdemeanor.
Criminal Defense Attorneys: Defending Theft Charges in Lafayette, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Anderson
If you are charged with theft in Indiana, call Gibson Law Office for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We have offices in Lafayette, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Anderson and our criminal lawyers have represented clients in more than 70 Indiana counties.