Full question:
I was caught shoplifting in a grocery store. I put the products into my purse in the bathroom. The loss prevention staff saw the product boxes I removed and threw into the trash can and stopped me. I did not walk out of the store or try to pass the checking point. I returned everything. But the grocery staff filed the paper work to the court. I got the summon from the court today. It says I need to show up on Jan. 9 to answer the complaint of conversion. I am confused, am I charged for a crime? From what I know, shoplifting in IN usually is charged as Class A misdemeanor. Why the summon just listed "to answer the complaint of conversion"? It's ordered by the judge. Is there any possibility that this incident is treated as civil case?
- Category: Courts
- Subcategory: Legal Definitions
- Date:
- State: Indiana
Answer:
In Indiana, shoplifting can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, in your case, the summons you received is for a complaint of conversion, which is also a criminal offense. According to Indiana law (IC 35-43-4-3), conversion occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control over someone else's property. This can lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge.
Even though you returned the items and did not leave the store, the grocery staff may have decided to pursue a conversion complaint. This means you could be facing criminal charges, but the nature of the complaint suggests it may also involve civil aspects, depending on how the store chooses to proceed.
It's important to attend your court date on January 9 to address the complaint. You may want to consult with a legal professional for guidance on how to handle this situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.