In Indiana, shoplifting is a type of theft that generally takes place at retail stores but can also occur at restaurants and other establishments that sell goods and services. If someone you care about has just been picked up on shoplifting charges in Indiana, there are a few things you need to know if you plan on getting them out of jail yourself.
Indiana Shoplifting Charges and Penalties
In Indiana, shoplifting is not a separate law in itself. It is charged as theft, which tends to come with some pretty strict penalties. In some cases, defendants are charged with the lesser crime of conversion, which renders lighter penalties. This might happen if a person stuffs goods into their bag but never actually leaves the store with them. If the person leaves the store and is caught, they are charged with theft, which is a felony. Conversions are charged as Class A Misdemeanors.
Jail Time for Shoplifting
After being arrested for shoplifting in Indiana, most defendants are granted bail privileges with 24 hours of their arrest. Later on in the legal process, if the defendant is found guilty at their trial, they will learn if they have to go back to jail at their sentencing. Here are the standard Indiana jail sentences for theft:
↬ Less Than $750 Worth of Goods = Up to 1 Year in County Jail
↬ Between $750 & $50K Worth of Goods = Up to 2.5 Years in Prison
↬ Over $50K Worth of Goods = Up to 6 Years in Prison
Bail Bonds for Shoplifting Arrests in Indiana
Because an initial arrest does not make your friend or loved one automatically guilty, jail time should not be a concern at this point in the process. Their bail should be set soon by the presiding judge, then you can get them released by hiring a local Indianapolis bail bondsman. The bail bonds process is simple, only requiring you to show up to the bail bond office, fill out all paperwork, sign the bail bond agreement, and pay the fee. Bail bond services are non-refundable, so you do not get your money back.
So long as your friend or loved one appears for their court hearing, you are off the hook and released from the bail bond agreement. If they miss their court date, or worse, flee the state, you are responsible for paying back the remaining bond amount. For instance, if their bail is set at $5K and the bail bondsman charges a 10% fee, you pay a non-refundable payment of 500 dollars. But if the defendant does not appear for court, you have to pay back the remaining $4,500 to the bail bond agency.
Are you looking for trusted and friendly bail bond solutions in Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services you can trust. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.
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