As a society we have a picture of what “theft” is. When you ask someone to picture a theft, they may see someone shoplifting or robbing someone else. Theft offenses are far more varied than that.
Under Indiana law, there are several theft offenses. Shoplifting, conversion, theft by receiving, auto theft, and basic theft are all considered separate offenses. In addition to these—worthless checks, identity theft, and even some fraud charges are considered a form of theft.
All one has to do is look through the local news to see that theft is not only committed by lifetime criminals. Just this past week, in two very different stories, 3 Indiana people are facing theft charges.
According to Fox 59, a Cumberland couple is accused of stealing more than $800 worth of goods in a local Meijer. They used their shopping cart and diaper bag to conceal the items. The couple had their 3 year old and 10 month old sons with them at the time of the alleged shoplifting offense.
In another case, this one out of Marion, an attorney is accused of stealing money meant for his clients. The money was allegedly a result of civil cases according to Wane.com. The attorney is said to have told his clients that their cases did not settle, signing the settlement checks himself and spending the money in the meantime.
The attorney faces 3 counts of felony forgery and 3 counts of felony theft. Because he signed the checks (forgery) and then used the money for his own benefit (theft), he can face two charges on each check in question. Altogether, he stands to spend years in prison and will likely lose his license to practice law if convicted.
These cases are just two examples of how it “takes all kinds” to commit a theft. There’s not a “typical” thief and often the people you least expect get caught up in offenses like this.
Perhaps you are facing theft charges of some kind. If so, you need a skilled defense attorney representing your best interests in court. Contact our attorneys today to discuss the details of your case and to get some helpful legal advice at a critical time.