Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 21, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
The crime of theft, also called "larceny" in some jurisdictions, is well-understood by most people: it is the act of taking something that isn't yours with the intent of keeping it. But within that broad definition, statutes typically spell out the many ways that theft can occur, assigning different degrees of charges and penalties in accordance with the value of the property stolen. The two main categories of theft in most jurisdictions are (1) petty theft and (2) grand theft. Petty (from the French "petit") usually applies to crimes involving property worth less than $500 or so, while grand theft is reserved for theft higher than that limit.
Indiana theft laws include felony charges for crimes (grand theft) where the stolen property is worth more than $750. The value of the property may be determined in a number of ways, including its replacement cost.
The following table provides a basic overview of Indiana's theft laws, including its statutory definition and penalties.
| Statute | Indiana Code § 35-43-4-1 et seq. |
| Statutory Definition of Theft | A person who knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control over property of another person, with intent to deprive the other person of any part of its value or use, commits theft. In the context of theft, a person's control over another's property is considered "unauthorized" if done:
|
| Classifications & Penalties |
|
| How Property Value is Determined | For purposes of this section, “the value of property” means:
A price tag or price marking on property displayed or offered for sale constitutes prima facie evidence of the value of the property. |
| Is Restitution Possible? | Yes |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Theft is one of the oldest crimes in the books, although states differ on how it's prosecuted and punished upon conviction. If you have been charged with the crime, your very freedom may be at stake; even the lowest-level charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Protect your interests by speaking with an Indiana defense attorney.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Indiana attorneys offer free consultations.