Cincinnati Theft & Fraud Attorney

Have you been charged with theft or fraud in Ohio? There are a variety of reasons why people find themselves being charged with theft or fraud crimes.

Sometimes people have intentionally committed a certain act; other may not have understood the laws and rules, or perhaps some have made regrettable mistakes.

Theft and fraud are serious criminal offenses with harsh, unforgiving penalties and consequences if convicted. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our Cincinnati theft & fraud attorneys act fast to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Call (513) 338-1890 today for a free, confidential legal consultation.

Ohio Theft & Fraud Laws

Theft is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code 2913.02 as purposefully depriving someone of their property or services without their consent, and knowingly taking or exerting control over the property through deception, threat, or intimidation. Theft typically occurs at someone’s home, job, store, or on the street.

Types of Theft & Fraud Charges in Ohio

Theft and fraud charges in Cincinnati can take many forms. Some of the different types of charges LHA could help defend against include:

Theft

Theft is defined as purposely depriving someone of their property or services without their consent, and knowingly taking or exerting control over the property through an act of deception, threat, or intimidation. Theft typically takes place at someone’s home, job, store, or on the street.

Petty Theft

Shoplifting – or petty theft – is a frequent offense in Ohio. Essentially, petty theft entails taking another person’s property against their will.

Complicity

Complicity in Ohio is a complicated and serious criminal charge. Generally, it entails being held legally accountable for a crime, by helping or assisting in carrying out the offense. The specific components of complicity penalties better explain this criminal charge.

Forgery

Forgery can be defined as knowingly and purposefully having the intent to deceive by signing another individual’s name on a check or other official document or creating or distributing false identification cards. Forgery penalties depend on the value of the property involved.

Passing Bad Checks

Passing a bad check in the State of Ohio is an illegal and criminal act. Even if you write a check for basic utilities, gas, or food, you can still face criminal charges for passing a bad check if certain conditions apply.

Fraud

Fraud encompasses a wide range of criminal offenses. The general term of fraud can be defined as anyone who knowingly and intentionally misrepresents facts or details for personal gain.

Possible Penalties for Theft in Ohio

The following can be used to determine penalties for theft offenses:

Theft Penalties

You will face a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000. This is also called petty theft. For example, the property’s value could be as little as $.99 or as much as $999.

Stolen Property Valued at $1,000 and $7,500 – a fifth-degree felony, entails at least six and up to 12 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

Stolen Property Valued at Between $7,500 and $149,999 – a fourth-degree felony, entails at least six and up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000. This is also called grand theft.

Stolen Property Valued at Between $150,000 and $749,999 – a third-degree felony, entails at least one and up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. This is also considered aggravated theft.

The Stolen Property Is a Firearm or Dangerous Weapon from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

You will face a first-degree felony if the stolen property is a firearm or dangerous weapon and from a federally licensed firearms dealer. This entails at least three and up to ten years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. This is considered grand theft.

The Stolen Property Is a Vehicle

You will face a fourth-degree felony if the stolen property is a vehicle. This charge entails at least six and up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.

The Stolen Property Is a Harmful Substance or Drug

You will face a fourth-degree felony if the stolen property is a harmful drug or substance. This charge entails at least six and up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.

You will face a third-degree felony if the stolen property is a drug or harmful substance and you have a prior felony drug abuse offense. This entails at least one to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Aggravating Factors in Theft & Fraud Cases

If you are facing a theft offense conviction, the resulting penalties depend on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. The actual charge you will face depends on the following factors:

• The monetary value of the property stolen
• If a deadly weapon was involved in the offense
• If anyone was injured or killed as a result of the offense
• If there was a threat of harm against another individual during the offense
• If you have a criminal history

Other Consequences of a Theft or Fraud Conviction

In addition to the criminal penalties associated with a theft or fraud conviction, there are many other ways a guilty verdict could negatively impact your life. Some of the collateral consequences could include:

• Issues with immigration or citizenship applications
• Difficulty maintaining child visitation or custody rights
• Trouble finding or maintaining gainful employment
• Difficulty securing affordable housing
• A permanent criminal record
• Reputation damage, both personally and professionally
• Suspension or revocation of your professional licenses
• Difficulty continuing your education

Your attorney can analyze the circumstances of your case to determine which defense strategy is most likely to produce a favorable outcome. When you face theft or fraud charges in Cincinnati, working with an attorney may be the best way to secure a plea agreement, enter a pretrial diversion program, or fight for your freedom at trial.

Contact a Theft & Fraud Attorney in Cincinnati for Help Today

Criminal charges can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. You probably worry about your freedoms and privileges being at stake and have many questions.

You can rest assured because the Cincinnati Criminal Defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates is here for you. Get the justice that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or fill out our secured contact form.