Theft refers to the illegal taking of another’s property without their permission. Theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the value of the property.
Overview of Theft Crimes Legal Representation in Cincinnati Ohio
- Cincinnati Theft Defense Attorney
- Common Ohio Theft Crimes
- Penalties for Ohio Theft and Property Charges
- Defenses from a Cincinnati Theft Defense Lawyer
Cincinnati Theft Defense Attorney
In the United States, you have the presumption of evidence. This means that you cannot be punished for a crime unless the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed every element of the crime, including that you knowingly took someone else’s property. An experienced theft crimes defense lawyer will work hard to establish the prosecution cannot meet this burden of proof by:
- Examining and cross-examining witnesses
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Making legal arguments in your favor
- Creating a defense strategy that is tailored to the specifics of your case
Mark Wieczorek serves all of Ohio, including Hamilton County, Butler County, Clermont County, Brown County, Highland County, Clinton County, Preble County, Scioto County, Greene County, Montgomery County, and Warren County, and Southern Ohio.
Mark Wieczorek can be reached at (513) 317-5987 or by filling out an online contact form.
Common Theft Crimes
Ohio has many different laws regarding theft offenses that you could be charged with, including:
Theft
There is no minimum value for theft. Theft may be charged as a misdemeanor if the value of the property is less than $1,000.
However, if the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000 and less than $7,500 it is charged as a felony. This crime can also be charged as a felony when the property stolen was:
- Credit card
- Check
- Negotiable instrument
- License plates or stickers for a motor vehicle
- Bank form motor vehicle certificate or title
- Blank form of identification license
This crime is a fifth-degree felony.
Grand theft – Grand theft is the taking of property or services that is valued at $7,500 to $150,000. It is also grand theft to steal a motor vehicle or firearm, regardless of the value. Grand theft is charged as a third- or fourth-degree felony.
Aggravated theft – Aggravated theft is charged when the property or services in question are valued at $150,000 or more. It is a first, second, or third-degree felony, depending on the value of the property.
Receiving Stolen Property – Ohio law makes it illegal to receive, keep, or dispose of property you have reason to believe was stolen. This crime is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor or third, fourth, or fifth-degree felony.
Burglary – Burglary involves unlawfully entering a home, building, or structure with the intent to commit a crime, often theft. In Cincinnati, it is treated as a felony, with penalties depending on whether the building was occupied and whether force or threats were used.
Forgery – Forgery includes altering or creating documents, checks, or signatures with the intent to defraud. Common cases in Cincinnati involve fake checks, altered prescriptions, or falsified IDs, and can result in serious felony charges.
Petty Theft – Petty theft refers to stealing property valued at less than $1,000, such as shoplifting or minor employee theft. It is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Cincinnati but can escalate with prior offenses.
Wrongful Entrustment of a Motor Vehicle – This offense occurs when someone knowingly allows an unlicensed or impaired person to drive their vehicle. In Cincinnati, it often arises in cases involving suspended drivers or those with past OVI convictions.
Identity Fraud – Identity fraud involves using someone else’s personal information—like Social Security numbers or credit accounts—for financial gain. It is a growing issue in Cincinnati, often prosecuted as a felony with enhanced penalties if elderly victims are involved.
Penalties for Ohio Theft and Property Charges
A misdemeanor or felony theft conviction in Ohio can incur significant fines and jail or prison time, in addition to other penalties, including civil penalties, driver’s license suspensions, and/or restitution. Certain penalties may also vary if the offense is committed against an elderly person, the type of offense, and the amount of property stolen. The Ohio standard sentencing guidelines for theft crimes are below.
- Misdemeanor of the First Degree – This degree of a misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony of the Fifth Degree – Penalties for this degree of a felony can include imprisonment from six months to one year and/or fines up to $2,500.
- Felony of the Fourth Degree – This degree of a felony can lead to imprisonment from six to 18 months, and/or fines not exceeding $5,000.
- Felony of the Third Degree – A conviction for offenses in this degree can incur prison sentences from one to five years and/or fines not more than $10,000.
- Felony of the Second Degree – These felony offenses can result in prison sentences from two to eight years, and/or fines not to exceed $15,000.
- Felony of the First Degree – Felony offenses in this degree can lead to imprisonment from three to 10 years and/or fines up to $20,000.
Defenses from a Cincinnati Theft Defense Lawyer
Some common defenses to Cincinnati Theft offenses can include:
- Lack of probable cause: The police didn’t have enough of a reason to arrest the defendant for theft.
- Mistaken identity: Someone else committed the crime.
- Act of duress or necessity: The defendant had no choice but to commit theft. Perhaps someone was threatening to harm them or their family if they didn’t do what they were told.
- Property not stolen: The defendant didn’t actually steal the property. They did not possess the required mens rea (mental culpability) to commit the crime.
- Lack of evidence: There’s not enough evidence that suggests the defendant committed the crime.
An experienced Cincinnati theft defense lawyer can evaluate which defenses will be most effective in your case.
Hire an Attorney for Theft in Hamilton County
If you are facing criminal charges for theft, you need to contact an experienced theft attorney today. The Wieczorek Law Firm, LLC has defended clients since 2008. Mark Wieczorek defends those accused of theft in Southern Ohio, as well as the cities of Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, Dayton, Toledo and South Point.
Mark Wieczorek can be reached at (513) 317-5987 or by filling out an online contact form.
