A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.
In Indiana, theft is defined under Indiana Code 35-43-4-2. A person commits theft when they knowingly or intentionally exert unauthorized control over someone else's property, with the intent to deprive the owner of its value or use. Theft can occur through various means, including taking property without consent, by deception, or by threat. The severity of the charge can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 5 felony, depending on factors such as the value of the property stolen and whether the defendant has prior theft convictions. The penalties for theft can include fines, imprisonment, and restitution to the victim. It's important to note that specific circumstances of the theft can lead to different charges or enhanced penalties, such as robbery or burglary, if the theft is committed in conjunction with other criminal acts.