Free Consultation / 24 Hours a Day - (513) 338-1890

Practice Areas

Cincinnati Grand Theft Attorney

Charged with grand theft? Call LHA at (513) 338-1890 to schedule a free consultation.

If you’ve been accused of stealing a firearm, a vehicle, or property worth a significant amount of money, you should contact a Cincinnati grand theft attorney as soon as possible. Grand theft is a felony in Ohio with harsh and often permanent consequences if convicted. Depending on the circumstances, you can be charged with a first-degree felony, which can lead to more than a decade in prison. Even if you avoid time behind bars, the implications of a grand theft conviction can be far-reaching and may affect every future job application that you fill out.

The best way to avoid incarceration, fines, and the collateral consequences of grand theft is to prevent a conviction altogether. Cincinnati felony theft lawyer Brad Groene with Luftman, Heck & Associates is here to help you aggressively fight any charge and will pursue the best possible outcome. With considerable experience assisting clients in similar circumstances when they are accused of theft, embezzlement, robbery, and all manner of felonies in Ohio, attorney Groene knows how to deal with whatever situation is complicating your life effectively.

If you’re charged with grand theft, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Luftman, Heck & Associates at (513) 338-1890 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with attorney Brad Groene.

Ohio Grand Theft Law

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2913.02 outlines the state’s law against theft and the potential penalties. Essentially, no one, with the intent to deprive an owner of property or services, can knowingly obtain or exert control over property or services:

  • Without consent;
  • Beyond the scope of express or implied consent;
  • By deception;
  • By threat; or
  • By intimidation.

Grand theft refers to the taking of:

  • Certain types of property, no matter its value, or
  • Property or services worth a certain amount.

Under ORC 2913.02(B)(4), if you are accused of stealing a firearm or any dangerous ordnance, then you face grand theft charges. This is typically a third-degree felony. However, if you took the firearm from a federally licensed dealer, it is a first-degree felony. Based on ORC 2913.02(B)(5), if you stole any motor vehicle, no matter the value, this is grant theft and charged as a fourth-degree felony.

You also face grand theft charges if you are accused of stealing services or property worth more than $7,500 and less than $150,000. Grand theft, in this case, is a fourth-degree felony.

Theft involving a higher amount may also be colloquially known as grand theft, but Ohio law specifically refers to the stealing property or services worth more than $150,000 as aggravated theft, and it is a third-degree felony. Property or services valued greater than $750,000 is a second-degree felony, while property and services valued at more than $1.5 million is a first-degree felony.

To learn more about felony grand theft charges, contact Luftman, Heck & Associates to speak with a Cincinnati felony theft attorney. We will thoroughly investigate the accusations against you to determine if there is a strong argument for asking for the charges to be dropped, dismissed, or reduced.

Penalties for Grand Theft

If you’re charged with grand theft in Ohio, you need to speak with an attorney about the potential criminal penalties. When you are up against felony theft charges, your sentence may include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, and the possibility of being found civilly liable to the property owner.

The length of your prison sentence or the amount of your fine for a grand theft conviction in Ohio depends heavily on the degree of the felony and your prior history. For instance, the lower the degree, such as a second or first-degree felony, the harsher the penalty. The higher the degree, such as a fourth or fifth-degree felony, the shorter your potential imprisonment.

The possible penalties for felonies in Ohio include:

  • Fifth Degree Felony: Between six and 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
  • Fourth Degree Felony: Between six and 18 months in prison and fines reaching $5,000.
  • Third Degree Felony: Between nine months and five years in prison and maximum fines of $10,000.
  • Second Degree Felony: Between two and eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
  • First Degree Felony: Between three and 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.

By working with a Cincinnati grand theft attorney, you will not only have someone fighting for your acquittal in court, but also minimize the consequences of a conviction. If a conviction is unavoidable, your lawyer will present an argument for leniency, so you receive the minimum sentence available.

Other Consequences of a Grand Theft Conviction

A grand theft conviction in Ohio means that you will have a permanent criminal record. Unfortunately, just one felony conviction is enough to hold you back. Your felony theft conviction will appear on background checks, and you could also be required by law to declare that you were convicted of theft on school, job, rental, and loan applications. As a result, anyone who reviews your application may move it to the bottom of the pile or even automatically reject you. As you can see, a grand theft conviction can make it difficult to continue your education, obtain financial aid, build a career, rent an apartment, or get approved for a loan.

If you have children, a felony conviction can also impact your child custody and visitation arrangements. Your children’s other parent may attempt to go back to court and ask for sole custody, saying that your conviction is evidence that you should not be allowed time with your children.

A felony conviction will also affect your fundamental right to bear arms. It makes you ineligible to own or possess any firearms, and if you are caught with a gun as a convicted felon, you may face additional charges.

Additionally, if you are not a citizen or permanent resident, a felony grand theft conviction can drastically impede your ability to stay and live in the U.S. Your visa renewal, request for a green card, or application for naturalization may be denied. In certain circumstances, you could also be deported.

Facing Grand Theft Charges? Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates Today

If you have been arrested for or charged with a felony theft offense in Ohio, such as grand theft, the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact a Cincinnati grand theft attorney from Luftman, Heck & Associates. We understand how frightening felony charges are, mainly if you have little-to-no experience within the criminal justice system. Cincinnati attorney Brad Groene will guide you through the court process with compassion and develop a plan to see you through the matter as smoothly as possible. We know full well that all felonies require a thorough and aggressive defense. Therefore, from the beginning, we will build the strongest possible defense and fight hard for a favorable outcome, no matter the circumstances.

Do not hesitate to speak with us regarding how we can help. Call us at (513) 338-1890 or submit a request online to set up a free and confidential consultation.

★★★★★
Bradley Groene made an exceptionally difficult situation much easier to handle. He kept me informed of everything that was going to happen and got results for my case far better than I could have hoped for. I would highly recommend him for anyone who finds themselves in legal troubles.