A theft conviction can be devastating to your life and last a lifetime. In addition to the immediate legal penalties, it can damage your career, relationships, housing opportunities, and mental health.
Understanding the consequences of a theft conviction is crucial for Indianapolis residents, where property crime rates are above average. If someone accuses you of theft, you should hire a theft crime lawyer in Indianapolis to protect your rights.
The sections below discuss the different ways a theft conviction can ruin an individual’s life.
Legal Penalties
The legal consequences of a theft conviction adjust in Indiana based on the crime’s severity. Theft is prosecuted as the Class A misdemeanor. Still, if the value of what was stolen is over a certain amount or includes specific items, then it can be prosecuted as a felony.
Penalties include:
- Up to one year in jail.
- Felony charges bring with them sentences of six months to 30 years in prison, depending on the level.
- Fines of up to $10,000.
These punishments can negatively affect your daily life. You might also be placed on probation to perform community service or pay restitution. A theft conviction does not end after your legal outcomes.
- Career Challenges
A conviction for theft leaves behind a criminal record that lasts forever and can be easily viewed through background checks.
For many employers, theft is a betrayal of trust, and it can be impossible to find work. A theft conviction may also result in having your professional license denied or revoked. This could derail students’ or young professionals’ career paths before even starting. This frequently results in long-term unemployment or underemployment and financial instability.
- Social Stigma
Often, a conviction for theft carries the same social consequences in that it can lead to friends and families losing trust in you. In places like Indianapolis, your reputation is ruined when tagged as untrustworthy. Even after serving time, this stigma does not go away, as people might still look at you as a convict.
- Housing Barriers
Many landlords screen applicants for criminal histories and may turn down those with theft convictions for fear of putting their property at risk. That, in turn, makes it even harder to rebuild your life once you have served your sentence.
- Education Roadblocks
A conviction can also limit educational opportunities by disqualifying offenders from admission to educational institutions. 66% of colleges and universities carry out background checks as part of their admission practices. This can be a barrier, chasing people away from higher education and, therefore, career prospects.
- Mental Health Impact
A theft conviction is emotionally exhausting, as guilt, shame, and regret are all too common, especially when you are judged by others. This can isolate you and lead to depression or anxiety, making it even harder to get your life moving.
Legal Help Makes a Difference
If you are being charged with theft crime charges in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, it is important to seek out an experienced theft crime lawyer. Just like with any other situation where charges have been brought against you, a skilled attorney can guide you through the legal system and help you reduce the charge’s effects on your life. With legal representation, you have the best opportunity to avoid harsh penalties and to protect your rights.
Conclusion
Not only will you have legal penalties to face, but the theft conviction will spill over into every aspect of your life. The results are as diverse and wide, ranging from career challenges and housing barriers to damaged relationships and mental health struggles. Do not wait if you are facing theft charges in Indianapolis. An experienced attorney may just be your best bet to move forward with your life.
