Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney
What may have been a momentary lapse in judgment or trivial criminal act can have significant negative consequences. A conviction for petty theft will be on your permanent arrest record and may keep you from being able to secure employment in the future.
With this in mind, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. Having a dedicated criminal defense attorney at your side will put you in the best position to defend against, reduce or possibly eliminate the charges.
The consequences for stealing property in Ohio can be quite severe and involve thousands of dollars in fines and prison. If you have been charged with petty theft in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your petty theft case.
Petty Theft in Ohio
Petty theft, pursuant to ORC 2913.02, is taking control of another person’s property or services, under $1000, with the purpose of depriving them:
- Without the permission or consent of the owner or person authorized to given consent;
- Beyond the scope of the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent; or
- By deception, threat or intimidation.
Petty theft is a 1st degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine. The charges increase in severity based on the dollar amount stolen. Theft becomes a felony if the property or services stolen is more than $1000. If the value of the property is between $7500 and $150,000, the offense will be grand theft, which is a 4th degree felony. If the value of the property exceeds $150,000, the offense will be aggravated theft, which is a 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree felony based on the value of the property.
Diversion Programs in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio
Franklin County and Delaware County have diversion programs for first-time offenders for certain theft offenses. In Columbus, a first time offender of a non-violent offense, including felony theft and receiving stolen property, may be eligible for acceptance into Diversion.
The program is administered by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. However, diversion is not automatically granted to those charged with a first time theft offense. It requires the agreement of the prosecutor and, typically, the victim. Moreover, you must demonstrate why acceptance into the diversion program would be appropriate. If you gain entry into the program, and successfully complete it, your case will be dismissed and Attorney David Johnson will be able to expunge your record.
Delaware, Ohio maintains a similar diversion program for first time offenders of certain theft and unauthorized use offenses. The program is available to those who have not been convicted as adults of any other criminal offense and who have not participated in the program before. The pending misdemeanor charge must be theft, unauthorized use of property, an attempt to commit either of those offenses, or complicity to commit either of those offenses. The program is not available to anyone accused of stealing a firearm, using a firearm to commit the offense, or harming or threatening anyone during the commission of the offense.
To be accepted into the program, the prosecutor must confirm that the defendant is eligible and must recommend acceptance into the program.
Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Theft Attorney
The consequences for stealing property in Ohio can be quite severe and involve thousands of dollars in fines and prison. If you have been charged with petty theft in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio theft attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your petty theft case. For further information, consult Johnson Legal, LLC’s Theft Offenses Blog.