Theft and Robbery can be tricky to navigate. Theft, or sometimes referred to as “larceny”, is simply taking something that does not belong to you. However individual state statutes outline the specific circumstances that constitute theft and may include some definitions that may not seem as obvious. For example, if you express the intention to damage someone’s property unless they give it to you. That is theft even if they “gave” it to you. Anytime someone comes into possession of another’s property through deception or intimidation is also considered theft just as much as simply taking it.

However, Theft should not be confused with Robbery. Theft is generally more passive and subtle. Robbery involves direct physical violence or the threat of violence in taking another’s property. The difference between Theft and Robbery can be very minor depending on who the perpetrator was, and the victim, and the amount of force if necessary. Robbery is treated much more severely than Theft particularly when a weapon or the implication of a weapon is present.

Theft charges in Indiana are categorized as either “petty” or “grand” theft. These categories are determined by the dollar amount of the property that was alleged to be stolen. “Petty Theft” is anything below $500 and “Grand Theft” is anything about $750. The dollar amount of the theft can be determined in a number of ways and must be done fairly and openly.

Robbery charges in Indiana are classified as either Robbery (Level 5 felony) or an Armed Robbery (Level 3 felony).

The penalty for a Theft charge, whether “Petty” or “Grand”, is determined by the dollar amount of the items that were stolen. This ranges from a Class A misdemeanor for property less than $750 that may result in up to a year in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. This is including restitution to the person stolen from. Then all the way up to a Class 5 felony for property worth $50,000 or more which results in up to 6 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine and restitution to the party stolen from.

Robbery penalties in Indiana are punishable from 1 year in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, up to 16 years in prison for Armed robberies.

Theft charges in Ohio are categorized as “Petty Theft”, “Theft”, “Grand Theft” and “Aggravated Theft” depending on the dollar amount of the property that was alleged to be stolen. “Petty Theft” is considered a misdemeanor however all other levels of Theft are different levels of felonies.

Robbery in Ohio is categorized as “Aggravated Robbery” or “Robbery”. The differences are whether a weapon was involved or significant harm came to the victim. All are considered felonies.

“Petty theft” in Ohio could result in up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. All other Theft charges are felonies and range from 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine up to 11 years in jail and fines as high as $20,000.

Robbery in Ohio is considered a felony and can range from 9 months in jail and fines up to $10,000 to 11 years in jail and up to $20,000 in fines.

Are you facing charges like shoplifting, larceny, burglary, theft or dealing in/receiving stolen property? Call us for an aggressive, commonsense defense against alleged theft crimes.