On July 1, 2014, a series of sweeping changes made by the Indiana General Assembly will take effect. One particular change that is likely to have a dramatic impact in Lake County Criminal Defense and Porter County Criminal Defense is a new classification within the previous “Theft” category; the new law will provide for “Petty Theft” and “Serious Theft“. (The Indiana criminal code can be found here.)
Which set of Indiana criminal laws to be applied to each case depends on when the Indiana criminal offense was committed. If the criminal offense was committed prior to July 1, 2014, the old criminal laws will apply. If the crime was committed after July 1, 2014, the new criminal law will apply.
Under the current law, “Theft” is always charged as a felony regardless of the value of the property allegedly taken. However, under the new law, if the property allegedly taken has a fair market value of less than $750.00, the prosecuting attorney can only charge a criminal defendant with “Petty Theft“, a Class A Misdemeanor, unless certain enhancements apply. Enhancements which will allow “Petty Theft” to be charged as a felony include a prior conviction for theft or criminal conversion, as well as if the item allegedly taken is a firearm. Conversely, if the property allegedly taken has a fair market value equal to or more than $750.00, then a criminal defendant can expect to be charged with “Serious Theft“, a Level 6 Felony.
SFT Lawyers are Experienced Lake and Porter County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Regardless of the circumstances, individuals charged with a crime should always seek out the knowledge and expertise of a skilled Lake County criminal defense attorney or a Porter County criminal defense attorney. If you have been charged with committing a crime in Indiana and are in need of a Porter County criminal defense attorney or a Lake County criminal defense attorney, SFT Lawyers can help. Our Porter County criminal defense attorneys and Lake County criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience defending Lake County and Porter County residents accused of committing a variety of criminal offenses in Indiana. CALL TODAY for a FREE CONSULTATION. (219) 841-5683.