Theft Charges under Ohio Law
In Ohio, theft is basically defined by the law as knowingly obtaining or exerting control over property or services of another with the purpose of depriving the owner of the property or the services. Theft can be committed in any of the following ways: without consent, exceeding the scope of the consent, by deception, by threat or by intimidation.
Penalties for Theft in Ohio
Theft is usually classified as a misdemeanor offense under Ohio law, with a potential maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine up to $1000. However, certain circumstances may elevate theft to a felony offense. These would include: the value of the property or services being over $500, the victim being elderly or disabled, or the object of the offense being a vehicle, check, credit card, license plate, firearm, dangerous drug or negotiable instrument. Theft offenses are also considered crimes of moral turpitude, and as such can be used for impeachment purposes if a person convicted of theft later testifies as a witness in court.
Types of Theft Charges
Under Ohio law, the following crimes are considered theft offenses:
• Petty Theft
• Shoplifting
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Grand Theft
• Larceny
• Fraud
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Breaking and Entering
• Embezzlement
• Identity Theft
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
• Unauthorized Use of Property
• Passing Bad Checks
• Misuse of Credit Cards
• Forgery
Other Consequences of Theft Charges
Theft is not only a criminal offense, but may also subject the offender to civil liability for damages. This is especially true in shoplifting cases involving retail stores, even if all the stolen items are recovered by the store. Many courts will require you to pay restitution to the alleged victim. Additionally, a theft conviction goes on your permanent record, and can be a stain on your reputation, affecting future job prospects.
Handling it on Your Own is Unwise
Many judges have a strict policy of sentencing offenders in theft cases to jail. Other courts may be willing to offer diversion programs in theft cases under limited circumstances. This is why it is important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the judges and court system where your charges are filed. Additionally, retail stores are generally advised by the prosecuting asttorney not to accept restitution once theft charges have been filed. A skilled criminal defense attorney can best advise you about the various defense strategies available in the court where you are charged, and give you a fighting chance of avoiding serious consequences and stiff penalties.
Deciding if You Need a Lawyer
If you are facing theft charges, especially felony theft charges, your freedom, your reputation and your future are all at stake. Whether your goal is to resolve the case with the best possible deal or fight the charges to the finish, you need solid, straight forward legal advice. Attorney Dan Weisenburger is a highly qualified criminal defense specialist with more than 28 years experience in the field of criminal law. Mr. Weisenburger can assess your case and determine how to best protect and maximize your interests.
Law Offices located in Ravenna and Stow
Contact Attorney Dan Weisenburger for a free initial consultation. We have two law offices to serve you. Our Summit County office is located in Stow, just 2 miles East of the new Stow Municipal Courthouse. This office serves our clientele with cases in Summit County Common Pleas Court, Akron Municipal Court, Barberton Municipal Court, Stow Municipal Court, Summit County Juvenile Court and Medina County courts. Our Portage County office is located in Downtown Ravenna, half a block East of the Portage County Courthouse/Ravenna Municipal Court. This office serves our clientele with cases in Portage County Common Pleas Court, Ravenna Municipal Court, Kent Municipal Court, Portage County Juvenile Court, Newton Falls Municipal Court and Trumbull County courts.
Attorney Weisenburger can be reached anytime via telephone or email, around the clock. Fees quoted right over the phone.
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