A theft or property crime is the criminal act of taking or destroying another individual’s personal property without the individual’s consent. In Ohio, these crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Often the distinction is predicated on the value of the property alleged to have been stolen or destroyed. Misdemeanors typically involve property that is valued below five hundred dollars ($500.00), while felonies are charged when the property in question is valued at five hundred dollars ($500.00) or greater. There are also specific types of offenses that are classified as felonies regardless of the value (e.g., theft of a motor vehicle, arson, forgery, theft of dangerous drugs).
Frequently Committed Theft or Property Crimes
Frequently committed theft or property crimes include: shoplifting, credit card fraud, identity theft, vehicular theft, embezzlement, larceny, vandalism, and arson.
Ohio Theft and/or Property Crime Legal Penalties
Once a person is convicted a theft crime, he/she may be punished with:
Imprisonment
Large fines
Community service
Probation
Parole
Restitution
Theft and property crime charges and legal penalties will depend upon the type of crime committed and the value of the property stolen. If the defendant is a repeat offender, he/she may be exposed to formidable sentencing consequences.
Due to the life-altering legal ramifications that are involved, it is always in a person’s best interest to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the legal background and knowledge it takes to successfully fight theft crime charges.
If you have been charged with a theft or property crime, do not hesitate to call The Law Offices of Roger Bouchard at (513) 324-8865. He can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options.