Grand Larceny Lawyer in Indianapolis

Felony Theft Charges in Indiana

While the severity of most theft offenses depend on the value involved, any theft conviction will limit your job prospects and might result in jail time. And when theft reaches the felony level in Indiana, it is charged as grand larceny and the penalties become even more serious.

Grand Larceny Laws in Indiana

As of July first of 2014, theft in Indiana is only considered to be a felony if the value of the object in question is over $750. Prior to this change in the law, theft was treated as a felony, or grand larceny, regardless of the item’s value.

Regarding the crime itself, the state defines theft as intentionally and knowingly depriving an owner of control over their property. This can include everything from electronics to tracts of land. In addition, this offense involves the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Taking control of an item for a brief period is known as criminal conversion.

Prior to the reform of Indiana’s theft laws, stealing anything valued under $100,000 was labeled as a low-level felony, with more expensive items carrying elevated felony charges. While the changes to the criminal code provide reform, the seemingly arbitrary separation between petty and grand theft has frightening implications.

If, for example, a person steals an item that is valued at $750, they may be sent to prison for many years. Meanwhile, someone who steals a similar item that is valued at $749 might only end up spending a few months in jail after being convicted of petty theft.

Penalties and Jail Time for Grand Larceny in Indiana

Indiana takes seriously, with most convictions resulting in huge fines and years spent in prison. While most thefts are treated as felonies, the value of the stolen items does play a role in sentencing. Someone who steals a yacht, for example, is likely to receive a far harsher punishment than someone who caught stealing a computer.

The consequences for larceny in Indiana include, but are not limited to:

• Petty Theft : A Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.
• Grand Larceny ($750 to $49,000): A Level 6 felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 2.5 years.
• Grand Larceny ($50,000 or Higher): A Level 5 felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of six years.