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Practical starting points for some of the questions people most often have when a legal problem first becomes real.
What to Do If CPS Contacts You in Indiana
A DCS or CPS caseworker at your door is a decision-point, not just a conversation. Here is what to say, what not to say, and why the first 24 hours can shape what comes next.
What to Do If Arrested in Indiana
The first hours after an arrest can shape the case. Here is the step-by-step for what to do — and what not to do — before you talk to anyone else.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Indiana
Indiana's expungement law is strict, but the eligibility rules are more forgiving than many people assume. Here is what to check before you file.
How to Appeal a DCS Substantiation in Indiana
A DCS substantiation is not a conviction, but its consequences can last. Here is how the appeal process works, what evidence matters, and how a substantiation can be challenged.
Indiana Professional License Complaints — What Licensees Need to Know
A licensing complaint is not a criminal charge, but it can still threaten a career. Here is how the process works and what to do when a complaint is filed against you.
Indiana Cheap Fast Divorce — What It Actually Looks Like
Not every divorce needs to be expensive or contested. Here is when a fast, lower-cost divorce is realistic in Indiana — and when it is not.
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Felony Theft: Understanding the Consequences of Stealing Property Valued at $750 or More
Theft is a serious offense under Indiana law and can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. At its core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
The distinction between misdemeanor theft and felony theft often comes down to one critical factor: the value of the stolen property. In many jurisdictions, including Indiana, theft involving property valued at $750 or more is classified as a felony.
Theft Under $750: Understanding Misdemeanor Charges and Consequences
It happens more often than you might think—someone grabs an item off a store shelf, walks out without paying, and thinks it’s “no big deal.” Maybe it was a lapse in judgment, peer pressure, or financial desperation. Regardless of the reason, theft—even under $750—can result in criminal charges with lasting consequences.
In Indiana, theft is defined as knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of its value or use. When the value of stolen property is under $750, the charge is typically a misdemeanor—not a felony. But make no mistake: misdemeanor charges are still serious and can impact your future.
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