Bloomington Attorneys Providing Resolute Defenses For Indiana Theft Crimes
Last updated on June 22, 2026
Theft crimes in Indiana encompass a range of offenses involving the unlawful taking of another person’s property. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, a conviction can have profound consequences on your personal and professional life.
Our theft crime defense attorneys at Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., understand the fear and uncertainty that accompany these charges. They are committed to providing a robust defense for clients in Bloomington, across Monroe County and throughout Indiana.
With over four decades of combined legal experience, Sam and Tanner Shapiro are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair process, no matter the nature of the allegations against you. Having worked for prosecutor’s offices before becoming defense attorneys, they bring a unique perspective to their defense strategy for your theft crime case.
How Does Indiana Law Define Theft?
Indiana law broadly defines theft as knowingly exerting unauthorized control over the property of another person with the intent to deprive the owner of its value or use. The charge and its severity depend on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances of the crime.
The prosecution must prove that the accused acted with the specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Some of the most common types of theft charges in Indiana include:
- Shoplifting: The unauthorized removal of merchandise from a retail store
- Embezzlement: Misappropriating funds or property entrusted to a client
- Credit card fraud: The fraudulent use of a credit or debit card to obtain money, goods or services
- General theft: Encompassing a wide range of other actions, like stealing a bicycle or money
Proving a theft case can be challenging for the prosecution. They must present sufficient evidence to demonstrate every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is why having an experienced Bloomington theft defense lawyer on your side is critical. Our skilled theft crime defense attorneys will examine the evidence against you and build a strong defense.
Indiana Shoplifting Charges And Penalties
Shoplifting is a specific type of theft crime that can result in significant penalties, even for a first-time offense. What might seem like a minor mistake can escalate into a serious legal matter. Whether the accusation is that you took a single item or a cart full of merchandise, the impacts can be life-altering.
A conviction for Indiana shoplifting can lead to a variety of consequences, including:
- Jail time or a prison sentence
- Substantial fines and court fees
- A permanent criminal record
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
The penalties for a theft conviction increase with prior offenses. If an individual has a prior theft conviction, a new charge may be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony, even for a low-value item. The state takes repeat offenses very seriously, and a skilled Monroe County theft defense lawyer is essential to protecting your future.
Ways To Prove Innocence If You Are Charged With Theft
Proving your innocence amid a theft crime charge often involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence or showing you lacked the required intent to commit the crime. A defense strategy might involve arguing that you did not knowingly take the property. For example, if you simply forgot to pay for an item and walked out of a store, this is not theft under Indiana law.
Your defense can also focus on weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The firm’s attorneys will investigate whether the police followed proper procedures during an arrest or search, or if the evidence was obtained illegally. They may also present evidence that you had a legitimate claim to the property or that the owner consented to you having it. This is why having an experienced Bloomington theft crime attorney is so important.
Take Prompt Action For Your Theft Case
When you are facing a theft charge, it is crucial to take action quickly and seek legal representation from a qualified Indiana lawyer. Our theft crime defense attorneys at Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., can help you understand your rights and the charges you face, guiding you through every step of the process. Contact us at 812-484-3844 or complete our online form to discuss your case with a Bloomington theft crime lawyer and learn how our team can provide a steadfast and proactive defense.