Were You Accused Of Shoplifting Or Theft?
If you have been charged with a crime of theft like shoplifting, before you do anything, you should consult with an attorney. You may think it’s a minor offense and not very serious, and believe there is nothing to worry about. The problem with any criminal charge is the consequences of an individual charge often have repercussions that extend far beyond that single offense.
Our attorney at The Gaunt Law Office can help. He was a prosecutor for more than a decade and he understands the implications that even misdemeanor theft or criminal conversion carry. We can help you make decisions regarding your case that will help you move past these difficulties and toward a brighter future.
Misdemeanor Or Felony Theft?
Indiana law uses the value of the property to determine if charges will be a felony or a misdemeanor. In addition to the potential to be charged with theft, depending on the circumstances, you may face a charge of criminal conversion. This is often used if a person is stopped before they leave a store with items that they are allegedly shoplifting.
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid jail time and be sentenced to a pretrial diversion program, and our lawyer is experienced with these issues. We can help you choose the option that will work best for your situation. For theft from a merchant, you could also face civil charges and be liable for damages up to three times value of the items taken.
We Can Help You With Informed Choices
Prosecutors often stack charges to create potentially long-term sentences that are used to force individuals to agree to plea agreement which they don’t really understand. In the criminal justice system, no one is looking out for you; law enforcement and prosecutors want to quickly get you to accept a plea and allow them to move to the next case.
Our attorney can help you with your theft defense and to understand all the ramifications of the choices you make, while protecting your long-term interests. You may have to make a difficult choice, but with our guidance, you make it with an informed understanding.
Contact Us Now!
Criminal charges like shoplifting and theft can damage your future. We can help you deal with these charges now. Call 765-343-6260 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment. We can also help with a variety of other charges including drug charges and OWI.
