THEFT OFFENSES

Crimes classified as theft involve the purposeful taking of someone else’s property without their permission through intimidation, threat, or deception.  If you find yourself accused of committing a Theft Offense in Ohio, you need the experience and knowledge of the Criminal Attorneys at Dworken and Bernstein to fight for you, build a proper defense and protect your future.

• Am I going to jail?
• How long will this stay on my criminal record?
• Will my employer find out?
• How much is this going to cost?
• How can this affect my future?

Theft offenses can carry with them significant jail or prison sentences and other penalties depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.  To find the answers to all your Theft Offense questions, do not hesitate Call the Criminal Lawyers at Dworken & Bernstein now for a free consultation.

What Type of Theft Offenses Can We Help With?

If you are arrested for or charged with a Theft Offense, We Can Help.  Below are some of the more common theft and theft related offenses we commonly defend against:

• Burglary – ORC 2911.12
• Counterfeiting – ORC 2913.34
• Criminal simulation – ORC 2913.32
• Forgery – ORC 2913.31
• Misuse of Credit Cards or Gift Cards – ORC 2913.21
• Passing Bad Checks – ORC 2913.11
• Receiving Stolen Property – ORC 2913.51
• Robbery – ORC 2911.02
• Tampering with Records – ORC 2913.42
• Theft – ORC 2913.02
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle – ORC 2913.03

The most serious theft offenses or theft-related offenses such as burglary and robbery are prosecuted criminally as felonies and if convicted often result in incarceration in Prison. Less serious theft offenses such as petty thefts are prosecuted criminally as misdemeanors.  Whether you are accused of a Felony Theft Offense or Misdemeanor Theft Offense, the potential penalties are significant and can result in incarceration. 

Potential Consequences of Theft Offenses

• Incarceration in Jail or Prison
  • Misdemeanor of the 1^st degree – 180 days maximum in jail
  • Felony of the 5^th degree – 12 months maximum in prison
  • Felony of the 4^th degree – 18 months maximum in prison
  • Felony of the 3^rd degree – 36 months maximum in prison
  • Felony of the 2^nd degree – 2 years to 8 years in prison
  • Felony of the 1^st degree – 3 years to 11 years in prison

*These guidelines do not take into consideration any specifications or enhancements to the crimes charged which may carry with them additional sentencing penalties.

ORC 2929.14 can offer further guidance on prison terms, “If the offender is being sentenced for one felony and the felony is a qualifying felony of the first or second degree, the maximum prison term shall be equal to the minimum term imposed on the offender under division (A)(1)(a) or (2)(a) of section 2929.14 of the Revised Code plus fifty per cent of that term.”

• Monetary or Financial Sanctions
  • Fines
    • Misdemeanor of the 1^st degree – maximum $1,000
    • Felony of the 5^th degree – maximum $2,500
    • Felony of the 4^th degree – maximum $5,000
    • Felony of the 3^rd degree – maximum $10,000
    • Felony of the 2^nd degree – maximum $15,000
    • Felony of the 1^st degree – maximum $20,000
  • Court Costs
  • Dismissal Costs
• Other Potential Consequences
  • Loss of Employment
  • Community Control
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment
  • Mental Health Treatment
  • Immigration Concerns/Issues up to Deportation

A criminal conviction for a Theft Offense has the ability to forever tarnish your criminal record and make the prospects of gaining employment or maintaining employment an extremely difficult task. Arguably, a theft offense on your criminal background check is one of the biggest red flags an employer may find while conducting your pre-employment screen. Don’t let a misunderstanding dictate your future, call us now for a free consultation.