Theft Crimes Lawyer

Being arrested and charged with a theft offense in Columbus, OH, can be an embarrassing and frightening experience. If you are convicted, it can also cause you to spend time in jail and live the rest of your life with a criminal record.

Fortunately, you do not have to sit back and accept the negative consequences of your theft charge. Instead, you can hire an experienced theft crimes lawyer, like the lawyer here at the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC, and begin fighting to clear your name.

How the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You with Your Theft Charge

The skilled Columbus criminal lawyer here at the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC, are committed to fighting tirelessly on behalf of our clients. When you come to us for help fighting back against your theft crime charges, we will:

Provide You with Astute Legal Advice and Guidance

The actions that you take as you work through your theft case will almost certainly play a role in its eventual outcome. If you can consistently make smart decisions, you may be able to improve your odds of attaining a positive outcome to your case. However, if you make a series of mistakes or missteps, you might make it easier for the prosecution to convict and punish you.

Our attorney has been practicing law in the state of Ohio for years. During that time, we have encountered just about every difficult choice you are likely to face during your case. When you need help making a decision, we will be by your side to provide you with the advice and guidance you require.

Gather Exculpatory Evidence

As soon as you are placed under arrest on a theft charge, law enforcement officials and prosecutors will begin putting together a mountain of evidence that they intend to use to convict you. Quite often, the best way to fight back against their evidence is by gathering proof that shows that you could not have committed the theft.

Having represented countless clients facing theft charges over the years, the lawyer here at the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC in Columbus know exactly where to look to try to find exculpatory evidence. When you hire us, we will review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and do whatever else it takes to try to prove your innocence.

Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney on Your Behalf

Prosecutors in the state of Ohio generally attempt to resolve theft cases before they go to court through plea bargain agreements. In other words, they will offer a reduced sentence in exchange for a quick and easy guilty plea. If you would like to explore the possibility of resolving your case with a plea bargain agreement, you will need to have an experienced negotiator on your side to negotiate the terms of your deal, and to make sure that you are not unduly punished.

Our legal team has been negotiating with Ohio prosecutors for years. As such, we understand what to say and what to do to convince them to make their deals a little sweeter. When we represent you, we will do everything in our power to try to negotiate a fair and equitable plea bargain deal for you.

Do you need Mr. Owen, criminal defense attorney to assist you with your theft case? To get started, just give us a call and set up a free consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team in Columbus, OH.

Understanding Ohio’s Theft Laws

The state of Ohio has a wide range of laws on its books that address the issue of theft. A brief list of some of the most commonly charged theft offenses in the Buckeye State would include:

Petty Theft

The crime of petty theft is outlined in section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code. This statute states that an individual may be arrested and charged with this offense if they knowingly obtain or exert control over property that belongs to another individual and is valued at less than $500:

• Without the consent of the owner or one of their representatives
• Beyond the scope of the owner or representative’s consent
• By threat
• By deception
• By intimidation

Shoplifting is, by far, the most common real-world example of petty theft.

Crimes of this nature are generally classified as first-degree misdemeanors in Ohio.

Theft

Section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code also details the circumstances under which an individual may be charged with theft. It states that it is unlawful for a person to knowingly obtain or exert control over property that belongs to another individual and is valued between $500 and $5,000:

• Without the consent of the owner or one of their representatives
• Beyond the scope of the owner or representative’s consent
• By threat
• By deception
• By intimidation

Ohioans may also be charged with theft if they violate section 2913.71 of the Ohio Revised Code. This statute explains that an individual may be arrested on a theft charge, regardless of the property value, if the stolen item was:

• A check or checkbook
• A credit card
• A blank motor vehicle certificate
• A license plate or license plate sticker
• A blank form for an identifying license

Theft crimes are generally categorized as fifth-degree felonies in Ohio, no matter which statute the offense is tied to.

Grand Theft

Section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code further states that individuals may be charged with grand theft if they knowingly obtain or exert control over property that belongs to another individual and is valued between $5,000 and $100,000:

• Without the consent of the owner or one of their representatives
• Beyond the scope of the owner or representative’s consent
• By threat
• By deception
• By intimidation

Under Ohio law, a person may also be charged with grand theft if they steal one of the following items, regardless of its value:

• A firearm
• A dangerous ordnance
• A motor vehicle

In most instances, grand theft is prosecuted as a fourth-degree felony. However, if the theft involved a firearm or dangerous ordnance, it may be upgraded to a third-degree felony.

Aggravated Theft

Section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code concludes by explaining that a person may be charged with aggravated theft if they knowingly obtain or exert control over property that belongs to another individual and is valued at more than $100,000:

• Without the consent of the owner or one of their representatives
• Beyond the scope of the owner or representative’s consent
• By threat
• By deception
• By intimidation

The felony level for aggravated theft offenses is tied to the value of the property stolen. Most offenses of this nature are classified as third-degree felonies. However, if the property value is greater than $750,000, it may be treated as a first-degree felony.

The lawyer here at the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC, in Columbus, are experts in Ohio criminal law. To take the first step toward forming a strong attorney-client relationship with a member of our team, just give us a call or contact us online.

Consequences of a Theft Conviction in Ohio

The consequences of a theft conviction in the state of Ohio are twofold – criminal and collateral:

Criminal Consequences of Ohio Theft Crime Convictions

Individuals who are found guilty of a theft offense in Ohio will be criminally punished in accordance with the following state sentencing guidelines:

• First-Degree Felonies: Up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $20,000
• Second-Degree Felonies: Up to 8 years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000
• Third-Degree Felonies: Up to 5 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Fourth-Degree Felonies: Up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• Fifth-Degree Felonies: Up to 1 year in state prison and a fine of up to $2,500
• First-Degree Misdemeanors: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

Collateral Consequences of Ohio Theft Crime Convictions

People who are convicted of theft crimes in Ohio will also have to live the rest of their lives with a criminal record. This can force them to deal with a variety of collateral consequences, such as:

• Difficulty renting a house or apartment
• Difficulty finding a job
• Loss of professional licenses
• Difficulty obtaining grants and student loans

The best way to avoid facing any of the punishments outlined above is to make it as challenging as possible for the prosecutor to transform your theft charge into a theft conviction. The skilled lawyer here at the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC, in Columbus, Ohio, can help you do just that. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and get started on your defense.

Do You Need a Knowledgeable Theft Crimes Attorney in Columbus? Contact the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC Today

When the people of Columbus are facing serious criminal charges, they know that there is only one law firm they need to turn to – the Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC. We have the knowledge and experience to handle just about any case. To have us help you fight back against your theft charge, just give us a call to set up a free consultation.