Criminal defense help in Northwest Indiana

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft and property crime defense law firm in Merrillville, Indiana

Theft and Property Crime Defense Law Firm in Lake, Porter and Jasper County, Indiana

A theft charge can follow you long after the case ends, because employers and landlords often see it as a mark against your honesty. Vollmer Law Group defends people charged with shoplifting, theft, burglary and other property crimes across Northwest Indiana. Most cases are handled for a flat fee for the pre-trial phase, so you know the cost up front.

Charges we defend

Shoplifting and retail theft
Theft and receiving stolen property
Vehicle theft
Criminal conversion
Burglary
Criminal mischief (damaging property)
Trespass

How Indiana grades theft

Theft is generally a Class A misdemeanor.
It is generally a Level 6 felony if the property is worth $750 or more, the property is a firearm, or the person has a prior theft or conversion conviction.
It is generally a Level 5 felony if the property is worth $50,000 or more.
Burglary is a felony. The level goes up if it involved a home, a weapon or an injury.

What happens after a theft charge

Initial hearing: the judge reads the charges, sets bond conditions and schedules the next court date.
Evidence: we get the police reports, store video, witness statements and proof of the property's value.
Review: we look for problems with the evidence, the claimed value, and how police questioned or searched you.
Options: depending on the case, that can mean a dismissal, a reduced charge such as conversion, a diversion program, or a plea agreement.
Trial: if the case does not resolve, it is set for trial.

Letters from the store asking for money

After a shoplifting arrest, some stores send a "civil demand" letter asking for money. That letter is separate from the criminal case, and paying it does not end the criminal case. Show us the letter before you pay or respond.

What it costs

Criminal cases are handled for a flat fee for the pre-trial phase, based on the most serious charge:

Misdemeanors: $1,500 (Class C), $2,500 (Class B), $3,500 (Class A).
Felonies: $6,500 (Level 6), $8,000 (Level 5), $9,500 (Level 4), $12,500 (Level 3). Level 1 and 2 felonies are quoted after case review.

If you have more than one charge in the same county and courtroom, the full fee applies to the most serious charge and each additional charge is 50% off. See our Fee Schedule for details.

Common questions

Is shoplifting a felony in Indiana?

Usually not. Most shoplifting cases are charged as Class A misdemeanors. It can be charged as a felony if the property is worth $750 or more or the person has a prior theft or conversion conviction.

Can a first-time theft charge be dismissed?

In some counties, people with no record may be eligible for pretrial diversion, which can lead to a dismissal after the program is completed. It depends on the county and the facts, and no lawyer can promise a result.

Will I have to pay the store back?

The court may order restitution, which means paying back the loss, as part of a sentence, plea agreement or diversion program.

Can a theft conviction be expunged?

Many theft convictions can be expunged after a waiting period.

Where do you handle theft cases?

We handle cases in Lake, Porter and Jasper County and across Northwest Indiana, from our office in Merrillville.

Talk to us about your case

Call (219) 587-5641 or send a message below. Tell us briefly what happened and which county your case is in, and a staff member will call you back as soon as possible during office hours.