Our office is located at:

Stark Law Offices, Criminal & DUI Defense
201 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 273-8888

It’s fairly easy to understand why individuals may be tempted to shoplift today.  The economic conditions are tough; people have lost their jobs and money is tight.  However, considering the harsh penalties under Indiana shoplifting laws you should consider that the fees and penalties you will pay if caught far outweigh the costs if you had just paid for the items you stole.  When you are caught shoplifting, it is a humiliating experience that could cost you your reputation on top of everything else.

Shoplifting is a criminal offense and is considered theft.  Depending upon the value of the property you stole, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.  When you make a mistake and disregard Indiana shoplifting laws you will regret it, but everyone makes mistakes.  If you find yourself in trouble with the law after taking property that is not yours it is essential that you contact a qualified Indiana shoplifting lawyer at once.

It could very well be that your actions were misinterpreted and that you did not steal anything at all.  Whether guilty or innocent, you need sound legal counsel.  A good lawyer will consult with you about the details of your case and help determine the proper course of action to take.  The ideal situation results in charges being dropped, but when this is not possible you want penalties reduced as much as possible.

Typically under Indiana shoplifting laws you will be charged with criminal conversion if the items you took were valued under $250; this is a Class A misdemeanor.  If the stolen goods are worth more than $250 you may expect to be charged with a Class D felony theft offense.  Either way, you will most likely face steep fines, court fees and possible jail time.  Is it really worth stealing someone else’s property considering the impact to your life, a permanent criminal record and a ruined reputation?  If it’s too late and the deed has already been done, consult with an experienced attorney for the best possible outcome.

The owner of the car had other plans, however. He got into his vehicle while still under the influence of alcohol and chased his coworkers down the street. Two of the three were unable to get away from the coming vehicle in time and were struck. One died almost instantly while the other sustained serious injuries. The angry driver of the vehicle did not sustain any serious injuries whatsoever.

According to defense lawyers, the driver of the vehicle experienced a temporary blackout or loss of complete consciousness as a result of the fight he had with his coworker outside his home. The defendant’s lawyers claim that he continued in this unconscious, blackout phase as he climbed into his vehicle and ran down his coworkers. In contrast to this claim, the injured coworker and the coworker that was not hit by the vehicle claim that the driver appeared to be fully functional and aware of his doings. If the jury decides to side with the plaintiffs, the driver of the vehicle could face murder charges and spend years in prison.

Although it is still unclear just how aware the drunk driver was of his actions, it has been made perfectly clear again and again that drunk driving often leads to severe injuries and death. Alcohol and drugs have the ability to impair a person’s judgment, response time, and coordination, especially when that person is behind the wheel of a car. If you’ve been injured in an accident that involved a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents attorney. Your Ventura auto accident attorney will be able to determine who is to blame for the accident and to whom you can expect to receive financial compensation for the injuries you incurred in the accident. Although this drunk driver is currently facing criminal charges alone, it is not unlikely that he will soon be facing civil charges filed by a personal injury attorney as well.