(614) 361-2804 Call 24/7

Columbus Petty Theft & Shoplifting Defense

iStock_000000808514_Small

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION






    COLUMBUS THEFT ATTORNEY

    If you have been charged with a theft offense, it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Petty theft is a potentially serious offense in Ohio that could lead to heavy fines, jail time, and could have a negative impact on future employment or education opportunities.

    Many large department and grocery stores have extensive security measures in place, including surveillance cameras and loss prevention teams that monitor and investigate potential shoplifting situations. In some instances, store employees incorrectly assume someone is attempting to steal which has led to false accusations of theft offenses.

    WHAT IS OHIO’S LAW ON THEFT?

    Ohio law states that:

    “No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services of another.”

    Ohio Revised Code 2913.02 and Columbus Municipal Code 2313.02 (which mirrors the Ohio Revised Code closely) state an individual can be guilty of theft if they obtain property or services of another:

    • Without the consent of the owner of the property
    • Beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent
    • By deception
    • By threat
    • By intimidation

    MISDEMEANOR VS. FELONY THEFT

    Most theft cases in Ohio are considered Petty Theft offenses. Thefts of items or services valued from $.01 to $999.99 are classified as Petty Theft offenses and are classified under Ohio Law as first-degree misdemeanors. If convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you could face penalties including:

    • Six months in Jail
    • $1000.00 fine
    • Probation
    • Community Service

    Theft offenses where the value of the items or services total $1000.00 or more are classified as felony theft offenses and carry the possibility of much longer jail sentences including 11 years in prison for first-degree felony theft offenses.

    WILL I GO TO JAIL IF FOUND GUILTY OF PETTY THEFT?

    Ohio Revised Code 2913.02 (and similar municipal ordinances) state that a misdemeanor petty theft offense is punishable by a maximum sentence of six months in jail. Though many judges will not sentence someone guilty of their first theft offense to the maximum time in jail, the possibility of even a small jail sentence is possible. It becomes imperative to explore all possibilities to avoid a petty theft conviction.

    CAN I DO A THEFT DIVERSION PROGRAM TO AVOID A THEFT CONVICTION?

    Many courts in Ohio offer diversion programs to allow for individuals to avoid certain types of convictions for appearing on one’s criminal record. A diversion program is usually an agreement between a prosecutor and a first-time offender, where the offender agrees to undergo a pre trial supervision period through the court and complete certain requirements determined by the prosecutor.

    Completion of the requirements of the diversion program results in the dismissal of the petty theft case against you, and allows for one’s criminal record to remain free of a damaging petty theft conviction. Not all courts have a theft diversion program or do not advertise its existence. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of entering into a diversion program.

    Columbus theft diversion class
    anti-theft diversion program columbus

    ANTI-THEFT CLASSES

    Similar to diversion programs, a prosecutor may offer to dismiss a petty theft case if the defendant agrees to participate in and complete an anti-theft class. Usually not as intensive as a diversion program, these classes are reserved for cases where the amount alleged to have been taken is not valued at a large amount.

    Not all prosecutors offer to dismiss cases upon completion of a class, and not all classes are accepted as part of the deal. Experienced attorney’s know which classes a prosecutor will accept, and which courts allow for an anti-theft class to be completed in exchange for a dismissal of the charged.

    I WAS AT A STORE WITH A FRIEND CHARGED WITH PETTY THEFT, CAN I BE CHARGED ALSO?

    Someone can be charged with complicity to commit a petty theft offense where an individual is charged with committing a petty theft offense, and police argue that you:

    • Solicited another to commit a petty theft offense
    • Aided or abetted someone who committed a petty theft offense
    • Conspired with another to commit a theft offense

    Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.03, one cannot be guilty of conspiracy to commit petty theft unless the act actually occurs. And one cannot be guilty of complicity to commit a petty theft offense so long as before a theft offense occurs, you have made it clear that you no longer with to participate in the criminal activity.

    A defendant was found to be guilty of complicity to commit a petty theft offense when he drove away from a department store with an individual who was suspected of shoplifting multiple items. Though evidence did not show he participated in shoplifting in any way, he was still found guilty because it could be shown he aided the individual in leaving the scene. State v. Flachbart, 2009 Ohio 5063.

    I LEFT A STORE WITH STORE ITEMS I FORGOT I HAD IN MY POSSESSION AND WAS CHARGED WITH PETTY THEFT. DO I HAVE A DEFENSE?

    Courts in Ohio have held that leaving a store with merchandise by accident is a defense since it cannot be shown that someone acted with purpose to deprive the store of merchandise as stated under Ohio Revised Code 2913.02.

    A defendant had his petty theft conviction overturned on appeal when the defendant placed two bolts in his shirt pocket while he was shopping in a store. After deciding not to purchase another item, the defendant left the store without paying for the bolts. State v. Castellano, 1994 WL 446955.

    WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I AM CHARGED WITH PETTY THEFT?

    A court date will be set where you will have the option of pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Since petty theft offenses can carry stiff penalties, and the possibility of avoiding a theft conviction exists in many scenarios, it is recommended to plead “not guilty” at the first court appearance. An experienced attorney can guide you through the initial steps to ensure the best possible outcome.

    CAN A PETTY THEFT CHARGE BE EXPUNGED IN OHIO?

    Yes – theft convictions are expungeable in Ohio.

    A theft offense on a criminal record can have many negative impacts including future employment opportunities, applying to further one’s education, and the ability to pass a background check.

    In order to begin the process of expungement process for a petty theft offense, you must be an eligible offender and only have five or less criminal offenses on their record. Any combination of misdemeanors and felonies are eligible to apply for expungement.

    Anyone convicted of a petty theft offense must wait one year from the conclusion of the case before applying for expungement, but if the case was dismissed, through diversion or an anti-theft class, the record will eligible for immediate expungement.

    If you have been charged with theft in Columbus, a Columbus theft attorney can help answer your questions and fight your case.

    WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PENALTIES FOR THEFT CONVICTION IN COLUMBUS?

    Depending on the case, penalties for a theft conviction in Columbus could include:

    • Fines and court costs
    • Jail time
    • Probation
    • Restitution
    • Participation an anti-theft class or other counseling
    • Difficulty obtaining employment, particularly in the retail and financial sectors
    • Trouble securing a professional license
    • Potential implications for custody
    • Potential implications for obtaining a loan or other credit

    Under both the Columbus and Ohio theft laws, theft is a first degree misdemeanor under which you could face up to a $1000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.

    WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME IF I HIRE YOUR FIRM AS MY ATTORNEY FOR MY THEFT CHARGE IN COLUMBUS?

    If you choose Riddell Law as your Columbus theft attorneys, we will carefully investigate all of the facts in your case, including the available evidence, statements from witnesses and video footage.  We will then work to build a theft defense strategy that offers you the best chance for the best outcome, including limiting the consequences of a conviction to you both personally and professionally.

    Our strategy will include investigating whether you are eligible for a diversion program, which could include the possibility of expungement of your theft or shoplifting charges, dismissal or sealing of the record so that the charge would not appear on background checks by future employers.

    Whether you opt to negotiate a plea agreement, or want to fight your charges in the Franklin County Municipal Court, one of the Mayor’s Courts around Columbus, or other county municipal court, we will work diligently to help you find the most favorable resolution possible.

    We are transparent about our flat fee structure for your Ohio theft or shoplifting charge and will upfront in our first meeting with you about any and all legal fees.  Additionally, we accept all major credit cards and can discuss financing options with qualifying clients.

    Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your options.

    Contact us via email at doug@riddelllaw.com, call us at (614) 361-2804 or fill out the confidential contact form to the right.