2017 Indiana Code
TITLE 35. Criminal Law and Procedure
ARTICLE 43. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
CHAPTER 4. Theft, Conversion, and Receiving Stolen Property
35-43-4-5. Defenses

     Sec. 5. (a) An owner in possession of encumbered property does not commit a crime under this chapter, as against a person having only a security interest in the property, by removing or otherwise dealing with the property contrary to the terms of the security agreement, even if title is in the credit institution under a mortgage, conditional sales contract, or bailment lease.

     (b) It is a defense under this chapter if a maker or drawer:

(1) who has an account in a credit institution but does not have sufficient funds in that account; and

(2) who makes, draws, or utters a check, draft, or order for payment on the credit institution;

pays the credit institution the amount due, together with protest fees, within ten (10) days after receiving notice that the check, draft, or order has not been paid by the credit institution. Notice sent to either (i) the address printed or written on the check, draft, or order or (ii) the address given in writing to the recipient at the time the check, draft, or order was issued or delivered constitutes notice that the check, draft, or order has not been paid by the credit institution.

     (c) A person who transfers or reproduces recorded sounds in connection with a broadcast or telecast, or for archival purposes, does not commit a crime under this chapter, even if he does not have the consent of the owner of the master recording.

     (d) A person who receives, retains, or disposes of personal property that has been the subject of theft with the purpose of restoring it to the owner, does not commit a crime under this chapter.

As added by Acts 1976, P.L.148, SEC.3. Amended by Acts 1977, P.L.340, SEC.48; Acts 1979, P.L.300, SEC.3; P.L.323-1985, SEC.1.