Northwest Indiana Property Crimes Lawyer

Indiana Code 35-43-4-3 provides: A person who knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control over property of another commits criminal conversion, a Class A misdemeanor.

The offense of Theft, a Class D felony, is distinguishable in that it requires that the defendant intends to deprive the owner of the property from the use or value of the property. The offense of criminal conversion only requires proof that the defendant exercised unauthorized control over property belonging to another person.

The most common fact pattern giving rise to a charge of criminal conversion, a Class A misdemeanor, is shoplifting. It is a Class A misdemeanor, which means a conviction is punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Additionally, criminal conversion, like theft and other related offenses, is considered to be a crime of dishonesty. Prospective employers, for example, might choose not to hire a person who has been convicted of such an offense.

There is no specific dollar amount required for the State to file a charge of criminal conversion or theft. When a theft exceeds $100,000.00, the State can charge theft as a Class C Felony.

Most shopliftings are really thefts. For example, a person who leaves a store without paying for a $1 candy bar likely intends to deprive that store of the use or value of that candy bar (when he decides to eat the candy bar).

However, a person who takes a neighbor’s bike without permission, with the intent to return it after his bike ride, arguably commits the offense of criminal conversion, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Our Attorneys Have Extensive Experience Representing Clients Charged with Property Crimes

Theft, fraud, conversion, auto theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, forgery and check deception are among some of the types of cases we handle.

Whether you are accused of stealing from your employer or passing a bad check, the attorneys at Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell will diligently represent your interests.

Attorney O’Donnell is a former Prosecutor that has dealt with numerous property crime cases as both a Prosecutor and as a criminal defense lawyer.

Our office deals with all property crimes including:

• Theft
• Fraud
• Forgery
• Criminal Conversion
• Embezzlement
• Auto Theft
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Criminal Mischief
• Check Deception
• Burglary

Please contact the Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We are excited to hear from you.