The number of incidents of shoplifting is on the increase this year, in Indiana and nationwide. And the holiday season is always one of the busiest for shoplifters. People go into stores to steal gifts, and because of the busier traffic, many people feel that they are more likely to not be noticed.
Add in the tough economy with lots of people out of work and desperate, and it all adds up to a very busy holiday season for police and retail store security and theft prevention departments.
Shoplifting prevention usually comes in two forms: video surveillance and active anti-shoplifting personnel. Store security may be in the store watching you, in plain clothes, pretending to be regular shoppers. And both actively scanned and passively monitored (through motion detectors) video monitoring is happening constantly.
Penalties for shoplifting in Indiana can range from a felony theft charge for items valued at over $250, to a lesser misdemeanor charge of criminal conversion.
Class D Felony theft of over $250 can carry penalties of 6 months to 3 years in jail.
For shoplifting items under $250, you are generally charged with the criminal conversion. Criminal conversion is a Class A Misdemeanor offense, which carries penalties of up to 1 year in jail and up to a $5000 fine.
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If you are facing a shoplifting offense & charged with theft or criminal conversion in Indiana, please contact our defense attorneys for a free legal defense consultation. We can help you fight you charges, or work out the best deal possible. The case evaluation is free, with no further obligation.