Theft Crime Attorney in Akron

Defending Your Rights in Cleveland and Akron

Crimes that are committed intentionally and with a fraudulent purpose are considered theft offenses. Depending on the type of theft crime you are facing, your penalties can range from a few months in jail to years in prison. The amount that is stolen will also have a substantial influence on the penalty that you face.

For legal representation with your case, speak with the Akron​ criminal defense lawyer from my firm! I have over 10 years of experience that can be put to use to reduce or dismiss your theft crime charge. Following is an overview of some common theft crimes which can result in a conviction.

Call Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC today at (888) 506-2167 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our theft crime defense attorney in Akron!

Types of Theft Crimes

Burglary and Breaking and Entering

If you have been charged with burglary, the specific charge you face will depend on the evidence against you. Breaking and entering is an action which can result in a fifth degree felony. Other burglary offenses can either be charged in the second, third or fourth degree. Aggravated burglary is the most serious burglary offense and is considered a felony of the first degree.

Robbery

Robbery is defined as committing or attempting to commit a theft with the use of a deadly weapon or use of harm for the purpose of inflicting or threatening harm on victims. Robbery is a type of violent crime that can be treated in that fashion by the officer and prosecutor. Potential penalties include incarceration, heavy fines, and problems securing future employment. Two basic types of robbery exist in Ohio: robbery and aggravated robbery. Robbery is classified as a third or second degree felony.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery is classified as a first degree felony in Ohio. You can be charged with aggravated robbery if, during the commission of the criminal offense, you have a deadly weapon and use it, have explosives, or inflict serious physical harm on the alleged victim. For a conviction, you could face between 3 and 11 years in prison and heavy fines.

Receiving Stolen Property

Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 2913.51, no one should receive or dispose of property that is knowingly obtained through a theft offense. Two elements must be met to warrant a charge of receiving stolen property. The first criterion is the actual possession of the stolen property. Second is the knowledge or cause to have knowledge, that the property is stolen.

Tampering with Records

Tampering with records is a violation of the ORC § 2913.42. No one should falsify, remove, conceal or perform any defacing activity to records or data. Tampering with records is a type of forgery that can be raised to a felony offense when government records are involved.

Identity Fraud

In the United States, nearly 11,600,000 individuals are victims of identity fraud. Similar to identity theft, it is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Identity fraud takes place when an individual steals personal information or opens a credit card account in the name of another individual. False identifications can also be used to commit organized crimes.

Vandalism

Vandalism is the crime associated with ruthless destruction of remarkable or historic items. Criminal damage on private and public property, including graffiti, is also vandalism. This is considered a very serious crime because it poses a threat to society. Anyone convicted of this crime will receive heavy penalties.

Passing Bad Checks

The crime of passing bad checks refers to using bad checks to make purchases. Individuals who open an account with false information and issue a check from an account that does not exist can receive a charge for this offense. Passing bad checks can range from a first degree misdemeanor to a first degree felony.

Forgery

Check forgery is a common type of theft in the state of Ohio. Under ORC § 2913.31, forging another's signature without receiving that individual's consent is forgery. The charge of forgery is a felony offense. Forgery can range from a fifth degree felony to a second degree felony based on the value of property or services obtained. When the victim is elderly or disabled, the charges are enhanced.

Arrested for burglary or robbery? Don't face your charges alone. Call now at (888) 506-2167 for a free consultation!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY THEFT IN OHIO?

The main difference between the level of theft that you can be charged with is the value of the property or services you allegedly stole. If you are charged with stealing items or services worth less than $1,000, you will likely be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. You can still be charged with a higher degree of theft if the property was a firearm or drugs, or if the rightful owner of the property was an elderly person, individual with a disability, or service member. Theft that is charged as a felony again depends on the amount of items or services you stole. If the loss amount ranges from $1000 - $7500 it is a felony of the fifth degree. If it is more than $7500 it is a felony of the fourth degree, and so on. Once again, the potential penalties can be enhanced if a firearm is stolen or if the alleged victim was an elderly person.

Defense from Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC, Your Akron Theft Crime Lawyer!

You may have been arrested for a minor or serious theft crime charge and are now in need of serious legal representation. At my firm, you can receive legal guidance from an Akron criminal attorney with over a decade of experience. You must do everything to protect your freedom and avoid a conviction. With the assistance of my firm, you can heighten your chances of having charges reduced, dismissed, or ultimately having your name exonerated.