Theft | Stealing Defense Attorney Columbus Ohio

Criminal Defense for Theft, Stealing, and Burglary Charges

Ohio law defines theft as knowingly taking property or services and is a misdemeanor of the first degree punishable by 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. This crime can be committed by shoplifting, theft by deception and theft from public office. Under the ORC all theft can all reach felony level based on the dollar amount a defendant is accused of taking.

What Are The Penalties For Theft | Stealing In Columbus Ohio

Theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on factors including the item stolen, the age of the victim, and the dollar amount alleged. Theft can range from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the first degree depending on these factors. Ohio law for the various values and possible penalties are laid out below.

Can I Get Theft Diversion in Delaware Ohio?

Theft are crimes of dishonesty under Ohio law, and will interfere with most jobs or careers particularly if you have a professional license or plan on obtaining one. When applying for or renewing a professional license it is common to be asked to disclose any theft offense. This means nurses, teachers, and other licensed professionals are particularly hurt by theft allegations.

Columbus Criminal Defense Attorney Brandon Shroy has been successfully fighting to protect the rights of Ohio's citizens since 2006 in and around Franklin County. Let him use his experience to get you the best possible outcome.

Frequently asked questions about theft | Shoplifting charges in Ohio

+ Is it possible to get diversion?

Yes, depending on your situation. Many jurisdictions have a diversion program which means instead of seeking jail or probation they will allow an educational program in exchange for dismissal. Defendants must be screened into programs like this and it is at the sole discretion of the prosecutor whether diversion is offered. Diversion results in a dismissal of the charge.

+ Will I go to jail for Theft | Shoplifting?

In some jurisdictions theft charges commonly lead to jail sentences. In Franklin County a first-time offender rarely gets sentenced to jail but a lot of factors are weighed. 180 days in jail is possible even for the smallest theft.

+ Will a warrant be issued if you are accused of Theft | Shoplifting?

Normally allegations of theft are issued by summons, meaning Defendants are not arrested to get them to their first court date. Click here to see if you have a warrant in Franklin County.If a store accuses me of Theft | Shoplifting, how long will it take to have to go to court? A store can request criminal charges from a police officer or the local prosecutor's office. If the police do not immediately file a charge, it can be multiple months before paperwork is mailed to Defendants. Do not wait to contact an attorney because an understanding of how to watch for a warrant being issued may save you from being arrested.

+ What is the difference between Theft and Robbery?

Both Theft and Robbery involve purposefully taking property or services from another. Robbery is simply a theft with any of the following factors also present:

A deadly weapon on or about the offender's person or control.
Inflicting or attempting to inflict physical harm to the victim
Use or threat of use of force to take property.

+ Is petty theft a misdemeanor in Ohio?

Yes. As a general rule, a petty theft in Ohio is qualified as any theft under $1,000. This general rule does not apply if the theft is from an elderly person, a disabled adult, an active duty service member, or the spouse of an active duty service member. If a theft is from these specific parties, then it is a felony regardless of the amount of money stolen.

+ Can you go to jail for petty theft?

Yes. Petty theft is almost always a first degree misdemeanor which carries up to 180 days in jail as a penalty.

+ Do misdemeanors go away in Ohio?

They are eligible to be sealed or expunged under Ohio law. Factors such as prior criminal record and the amount of time that has passed since a citation or arrest are crucial to understand.

Theft|Shoplifting charges in ohio

Misdemeanor 1 - Called “petty theft,” this covers theft of amount from $.01 to $999.99. Carries a penalty of up to 180 days in jail.

Felony 5 - Theft of amount from $1,000 to $7,499.99. Carries a penalty of up to 12 months in prison.

Felony 4 - Theft of amount from $7,500 to $149,999. Carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison.

Felony 3 - Theft of amount from $150,000 to $749,999. Carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison.

Felony 2 - Theft of amount from $750,000 to $1.5 million. Carries a penalty of up to 8 years in prison.

Felony 1 - Theft of amount from $1.5 million or up. Carries a penalty of up to 11 years in prison.

Brandon Shroy has spent years defending and winning theft | shoplifting cases in Central Ohio.

As your attorney, Brandon Shroy will utilize his extensive criminal defense experience and leverage his reputation as an aggressive litigator to fight on your behalf and deliver the best possible outcome.

Brandon practices in all Central Ohio courts including the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal courts and Mayor's courts.

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