Property Theft And Damage
Damaging someone else’s property or taking something without permission might not seem like a major offense, but property damage and theft can be very severe charges depending on what was stolen or damaged. That’s why if you’re facing charges for property theft or damage, it’s important to contact a law firm in your area to start building your defense right away. For folks in Indianapolis the law firm to turn to is Shircliff Law LLC. Even accidental damage or theft can result in a criminal charge so it’s important to act fast and get a criminal defense team on your side.
David Shircliff and his team have been handling defense cases for more than 20 years. In that time he has led more than 200 cases to positive results. Whether it’s getting the penalties reduced or gaining an acquittal, David knows the law and will do what it takes to make sure you are treated fairly and have the best outcome possible.
New clients can get a free consultation to go over the facts of their case and how Shircliff Law might be able to help them with getting a lesser sentence or an acquittal if possible. We also help to protect professional certifications and licenses that are under threat from criminal charges.
How Theft And Property Damage Work In Indiana
Theft can be defined as a person exerting unauthorized control over another person’s belongings that results in damages through either the loss of or damage to those belongings. What this means is that a person has to knowingly take, use, or cause damage to another person’s property, without permission, to face charges.
Theft can be defined as follows according to the rules set forth by Indiana:
- Taking or removing property without the owner’s prior consent
- By making threats against property or person in exchange for use of property (commonly called blackmail)
- Improper use of property that was not authorized by the owner
- Creating a fictitious agreement or making false promises to acquire use of property
- Failing to disclose legal issues which would prohibit use of property (such as having a revoked license and borrowing a car)
Theft also applies to more than just physical possessions, it can be translated to mean anything that holds value according to the Indiana statute.
Penalties For Theft Or Property Damage
The penalties for theft are organized based on the monetary value of the property that was damaged and/or stolen. The greater the value the higher the charge. There are also special provisions for particular types of theft, as well as habitual offenders.
For first time offenders with theft of less than $750 in value, the charge is a class A misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Property valued above $750 but less than $50,000 is considered a class 6 felony with a penalty of 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000. For theft of automobiles, auto parts or repeat offenses the charge is automatically upgraded to felony regardless of value.
Theft of property with a value greater than $50,000 is considered a class 5 felony. This charge carries a penalty of 1 to 6 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
When You Need Legal Help, Call Shircliff Law LLC
No one should have to go to jail if they don’t have to. With the right legal team on your side you could avoid jail time and get your life back. Call 317-279-4894 or contact us online today.