Akron Theft Attorney

Theft Charges in Summit County, Ohio

Theft offenses in and around Akron can take several forms. Generally, the severity of the crime is related to the amount allegedly stolen, but some common theft charges include:

• Grand Theft – Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2913.02, grand theft is if you knowingly exert control over services or property valued between $5,000 and $100,000 without the owner’s consent.
• Petty Theft – Petty theft refers to knowingly exerting control over services or property valued at less than $500 without the owner’s consent.
• Aggravated Theft – Aggravated theft is if you knowingly exert control over services or property valued at $100,000 or more without the owner’s consent.
• Receiving Stolen Property – Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2913.51, you can be charged if you retain, receive, or dispose of property that you know was obtained through theft.
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle – Ohio Rev. Code § 2913.03, prohibits knowingly using certain motor vehicles without the owner’s consent.

Most Ohio theft crimes are misdemeanors but may be charged as felonies depending on the value in question. Additionally, if items are transferred across state borders or valued at over $100,000, you could face federal charges and state crimes.

Akron, OH Theft Penalties

Typical consequences for a theft conviction include restitution, fines, community service, probation, and possible jail or prison time. Under Ohio law, the sentencing guidelines for theft-related crimes are as follows:

• First-degree misdemeanors: 180 days in jail and fines as high as $1,000
• Fifth-degree felonies: Up to One year in prison and fines as high as $2,500
• Fourth degrees felonies: Up to 18 months in prison and fines as high as $5,000
• Third-degree felonies: Up to five years in prison and fines as high as $10,000
• Second-degree felonies: Up to eight years in prison and fines as high as $15,000
• First-degree felonies: Up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $20,000

Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2307.61, property owners and merchants have the authority to pursue civil penalties against those convicted of theft offenses committed against their business. If successful, they can recover court costs, legal fees, and the volume of items taken.

Defending Against Akron Theft Charges

You likely need a highly experienced defense attorney to determine how to approach your case and your best chance at resolving things in your favor. A successful theft defense could mean reducing your theft charge to a misdemeanor, having the case dismissed, or mitigating the harm to your life.

For many first-time, non-violent theft charges, you may be able to enter into a pretrial diversion program. After meeting the program’s terms, the charges against you can be reduced or dismissed entirely.

However, if the state’s prosecuting attorney refuses to enter into a plea agreement with you, presenting a powerful defense may be the best way to challenge the charges against you.

Some common defenses used against theft charges are:

• Mistake of fact
• Claim of right
• Authorization of use
• Specific intent
• Lack of probable cause
• Illegal search and seizure
• Asportation

Akron Theft Charges FAQ

To help you better understand the charges against you, the possible penalties, and what’s to come, we have answered some of the more frequently asked questions surrounding theft charges in Akron below. If you have additional questions, contact Erb Legal.

What is theft of services in Ohio?

Theft of services is committed when someone obtains services — as opposed to goods — by deception, force, threat, or other unlawful means, i.e., without compensating the provider.

A typical example is leaving a restaurant without paying. To be found guilty, the prosecuting attorney must prove you had the intent to defraud the owner for their property or services.

Is theft a felony in Ohio?

Theft can be charged as a felony in Ohio when the property or services in question is valued at $1000 or more.

Do stores always file criminal charges for shoplifting?

Under Ohio law, merchants and store employees can decide whether or not to file formal theft charges against those suspected of shoplifting.

In some cases, stores may contact the police and move forward with formal criminal charges. In others, the merchants elect to handle the shoplifting in-store without having to involve the police or court system.

Consult a Theft Lawyer in Akron, OH

When you have been accused of theft, it is important to take it seriously. A theft conviction is not something you want on your record. With effective legal representation from our Akron criminal defense law firm, you can prepare a compelling defense and work towards a favorable result that lets you put theft charges behind you.

Fill out our contact form or call 330-249-1778 to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.