Cleveland Theft Lawyer

Cleveland Theft Attorney

In Ohio, theft is a severe crime that includes a variety of illegal actions, such as stealing, extortion, embezzlement, and larceny. The penalties can vary depending on the nature of the crime. Those facing theft charges should seek the help of a Cleveland theft lawyer to help them fight their charges and defend their rights.

Why Choose Us?

At Fortress Law Group, LLC, our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers understand the difficulty a person may encounter when faced with theft charges. We have handled hundreds of cases, many of which involved defending people who were charged with theft. We can examine the specifics of your case to make sure that the legal system has upheld your rights. We can defend you and your rights so you can navigate this process with peace of mind.

What Is Theft?

The deliberate stealing of another person’s property or use of their services without that person’s consent is considered to be theft. The value of the stolen goods, the kind of property, and the victim’s status all influence the penalties. Theft can be carried out by deceit, threats, intimidation, or in secret. Some forms of theft include:

• Shoplifting
• Extortion
• Embezzlement
• Larceny
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Auto theft
• Identity theft

Property includes all things that are tangible or intangible, rights or licenses, and material or immaterial items. The services cover labor, rentals, utilities, food and drink, transportation, entertainment, and more.

Penalties for Theft

The value of the stolen goods or services, the type of property, and whether the victim is a member of a protected class are all taken into consideration when classifying theft charges in Ohio. Theft is generally categorized into one of the following categories:

• Petty theft. If the stolen goods or services are worth less than $1,000, the crime is classified as first-degree misdemeanor petty theft. A $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail are the possible penalties.
• Felony theft. If the victim is elderly, disabled, an active service member or their spouse, the stolen item is a credit card or other negotiable instrument, or the stolen property or services are valued over $1,000 and less than $7,500, then the theft is classified as a felony in the fifth degree. Punishment for a felony in the fifth degree is a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail term of up to a year.
• Grand theft. Grand theft is classified as a fourth-degree crime in the following situations: The victim is a member of a protected class, the stolen property or services have a value between $1,000 and $7,500, or the stolen item is a dangerous substance or motor vehicle. A fourth-degree felony carries a maximum fine of $5,000, along with six to 18 months in jail.
• Aggravated theft. Aggravated theft is categorized into three degrees. Stolen goods or services worth between $150,000 and $750,000 — or between $7,500 and $37,500 if the victim belongs to a protected class — or particular objects, such as firearms, are considered third-degree felonies and carry sentences of nine months to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Stolen goods or services worth between $750,000 and $1,500,000 — or between $37,500 and $150,000 if the victim is a member of a protected class — are classified as second-degree felonies, carrying a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of $15,000.If stolen property is valued at $1,500,000 or more — or $150,000 or more if the victim is a member of a protected class — it is a first-degree felony; punishment can be up to $20,000 in fines and three to 16.5 years in prison.

Defenses to Theft

Defendants charged with theft in Cleveland may have legitimate defenses depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. A theft attorney can help you build an appropriate defense for your case. Some of these defenses include:

• Mistake of fact. This defense applies if the defendant didn’t know the property belonged to someone else.
• Intoxication. If a defendant was too intoxicated to realize the property belonged to someone else, they can use this as a defense.
• Claim of right. This is not a common defense; a defendant can argue that they thought they had a right to take the property.

Theft Defense Attorney FAQs

Q: What Amount of Theft Is a Felony?

A: In Ohio, theft becomes a felony when the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more. Theft can also be classified as a felony regardless of value if the victim is a protected class member, such as the elderly or disabled, or if the stolen item is a credit card or other special item, such as a firearm or police dog.

Q: What Is an F5 Theft Charge?

A: An F5 theft charge in the state is a felony in the fifth degree; such a felony occurs when the value of stolen property or services is between $1,000 and $7,500 or under $1,000 if the victim is a protected class member. Fifth-degree felonies carry penalties, including up to a year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

Q: What Is Theft Without Consent?

A: In Ohio, theft without consent is taking something of someone else’s property or services without authorization. This can happen in a number of ways, including coercion, threats, or intimidation. The worth of the stolen goods and other factors determine the classification of the offense, which can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges.

Q: What Is the Law on Shoplifting?

A: Ohio regards shoplifting as theft, which is defined as willfully taking possession of or controlling goods without making a payment. The value of the stolen goods determines the type of penalty: Theft under $1,000 is classified as petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor; theft over $1,000 is classified as felony theft, with the severity of the penalty increasing with the value of the stolen goods.

Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, Today

If you have been charged with theft, an attorney at Fortress Law Group, LLC, can help. We can provide you with the legal counsel you need during this time. Contact us today for more information.