Centerville Theft Defense Attorney

According to crimegrade.org, the state of Ohio earned a grade of “B” as far as the number of thefts in the state. This “B” grade means the rate of theft is slightly lower than the “average” U.S. state, with a rate of 16.45 thefts per 1,000 residents. Your chance of becoming a victim of theft could also relate to where you live in the state. Neighborhoods in the southwest area of Ohio can be as high as 1 in 41 residents, while in the southeast area of the state, the chances could be much lower—1 in 131. It is also worth noting that more thefts occur in areas with the most airports, parks, and schools, which can skewer the statistics related to theft. 

If you have been charged with theft in Centerville, it is extremely important that you contact a knowledgeable attorney as quickly as possible. Even if you believe you may be under investigation for theft, speaking to an experienced theft defense attorney can potentially allow you to avoid charges altogether. The Horwitz & Horwitz lawyers are experienced, knowledgeable, highly skilled, and compassionate to your situation. Jon Horwitz has extensive criminal defense experience, including assisting those charged with theft. 

What are the Various Theft-Related Charges in Ohio?

Ohio law defines theft as taking something that belongs to another person with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the item.   Using threats, deceit, or intimidation to coerce the owner into giving you his or her property is also considered theft. The charges faced for theft in the state of Ohio will depend on how much the property is worth, whether the victim was elderly or disabled, whether a firearm was involved in the commission of the theft, and whether drugs were involved.  The levels of theft-related charges include:

• Petty theft—Petty theft is a first-degree misdemeanor that carries a sentence of up to six months in jail, and a $1,000 fine. Taking property or services that are worth less than $1,000 falls under petty theft. 
• Theft—The crime of theft is a fifth-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of six to twelve months in jail and a fine as large as $2,500. Theft includes taking something that belongs to another person and is valued between $1,001 and $7,500. Regardless of value, theft can also be charged for stealing a credit card, a motor vehicle sticker or license plate, a black form for a certificate of title or any license listed in ORC 4507.01, or a check or other negotiable item. 
• Burglary—Burglary involves trespassing in an occupied structure and taking the property of another person. Burglary is a 4th-degree felony with a maximum prison sentence of between six and eighteen months, and a fine as large as $5,000. Depending on the circumstances, burglary can also be charged as a second or third-degree felony. 
• Robbery—Robbery also involves trespassing in an occupied structure but includes possession of a deadly weapon, or the infliction or threat to inflict bodily harm against another individual. Robbery is charged as a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of nine months to five years. 
• Grand theft—Grand theft involves taking the property of another person that is valued between $7,500 and $150,000. As a 4th-degree felony, the prison sentence for a grand theft conviction is six to eighteen months, with a maximum fine of $5,000. If the stolen property is a motor vehicle or a firearm, then regardless of the value, the offense is grand theft. 
• Aggravated theft involves taking an item or service valued at more than $150,000, and can be charged as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-degree felony, based on the value of the property stolen. A third-degree felony in Ohio carries a maximum prison sentence of nine months to five years and a $10,000 fine, a second-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of two to eight years and a $15,000 fine, and a first-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of three to eleven years and a $20,000 fine.  

What Happens if You Are Charged with Theft in Ohio?

A theft conviction can result in a variety of negative collateral consequences. If you are charged with felony theft and convicted, you will likely lose your job and may be unable to obtain employment after you have served your time and paid your fines. A felony conviction can prevent you from owning a firearm, obtaining a professional certificate, attending college on a government loan, and even renting or buying a home. You could have family problems as a result of a theft conviction and may face public scrutiny from those in your neighborhood, church, or at your children’s school.