Ohio Theft Laws Summary hide. Contact Us Schedule your free consultation. Ohio Petty Theft Laws. Facing Theft Charges in Ohio? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Us. Ohio statutes divide aggravated thefts into three separate categories, ranging from third- to first-degree felonies. In addition to criminal penalties, a person who commits theft—including shoplifting—may be civilly liable to the owner of the property for financial damages.
The property owner must elect between the following damages:. While the information on this page can help you understand how your state's legislature treats varying levels of theft offenses, the application of those laws can vary by location. Local courts, law enforcement, and the district attorney will play a significant role in determining the outcome of a given case. For that reason, it's important to talk to a local criminal defense attorney if you've been charged with any theft-related crime.
The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. When more than one item is stolen, the person accused of committing the crime can be charged with multiple felony theft offenses. Those basic penalties increase with each level of felony. People convicted of theft can also be ordered to pay restitution to those who had property taken from them.
The defense used to try to get a theft charge reduced or dismissed will depend on the facts of the case. Often, an alleged theft is actually a misunderstanding over whether permission to use an item was granted or what the terms of use for a service were.
The value of an item or service, as well as its ownership or administration, are usually open for debate. Good-faith efforts to return an item or pay for services when asked to do so can serve a defendant well. Partnering with an experienced Columbus Ohio criminal defense attorney will help with selecting and executing an appropriate strategy.
He offers free quotes to prospective clients, and he takes most cases on a flat-fee basis. Ohio Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences. Ohio classifies felony offenses into five categories: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degree felonies. First-degree felonies are the most serious category, while fifth-degree felonies are the least serious. First and Second Degree Felonies Under a new Ohio law, most first and second degree felonies committed on or after March 22, are punishable by an indefinite sentence also known as an " indeterminate sentence ".
First, the judge will choose a minimum sentence of one of the following prison terms: First degree felony: Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or 11 years. Second degree felony: Two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight years. Third Degree Felonies Most third degree felonies are punishable by a definite or " determinate " prison term of nine, 12, 18, 24, or 36 months.
Third degree felonies punishable by the longer term include: unlawful sexual conduct with a minor gross sexual imposition aggravated vehicular assault or homicide, and assisting suicide. Unclassified Felonies Murder and aggravated murder, the two most serious felonies in Ohio, are not categorized by degree. Mandatory Sentences Ohio also imposes mandatory prison terms in some felony cases, including aggravated murder, murder, rape or attempted rape of a child younger than 13, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and many others.
Statutes of Limitations If prosecutors want to charge someone in Ohio with a crime, they must first make sure that the legal time limit within which to do so has not expired. Get Legal Help A felony charge is nothing to take lightly. Talk to a Lawyer Start here to find criminal defense lawyers near you. Practice Area Please select Zip Code.
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