Akron Theft Crime Attorney

What Are the Potential Penalties for an Akron Theft Conviction?

For you to be subject to legal penalties and collateral consequences in an Akron theft case, the state prosecutor must first satisfy their legal burden of proof. Specifically, the prosecutor has to prove each legal element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. By raising one or more legal defenses on your behalf in court, we can negate the state prosecutor’s high burden of proof.

However, if the state prosecutor can satisfy their legal burden, a sentencing judge has to impose penalties against you upon conviction, under state statute.

The penalties a theft offender may receive upon conviction typically depend on the value of the allegedly stolen property. For example, if an individual sustains a conviction for receiving stolen property, a first-degree misdemeanor, a judge can sentence them to a maximum of six years of incarceration. A conviction for receiving stolen property only applies to items valued at less than $1,000.

The criminal penalties may increase significantly if you sustain a conviction for stealing more valuable goods. For example, if you incur a conviction for stealing anything with a value of more than $1,000, you can receive felony-level penalties that can range from between one and ten years of incarceration, along with monetary fines and restitution to the alleged victim.

In addition, under Ohio law, a prosecutor can lump several more minor theft charges together to reach a higher amount. If the prosecutor can do this successfully, it may increase the potential penalties that you ultimately face upon conviction. Therefore, what may have been initially a misdemeanor offense can turn into a felony offense.

In addition to these potential legal consequences for a theft conviction, offenders may face numerous collateral consequences that affect every aspect of their lives.

Some of the most common collateral consequences that convicted theft offenders may experience include:

• Difficulty gaining admission to a university, college, or vocational program
• Difficulty finding a place to live
• Difficulty finding or keeping a job
• Harm to one’s reputation in both their personal and professional communities

Many of these collateral consequences happen because prospective educational institutions, landlords, financial institutions, and employers perform criminal background checks on applicants. If they uncover a theft conviction on the applicant’s record, they are more likely to deny the individual’s application.

The best way to avoid legal penalties and collateral consequences in a theft case is to avoid a conviction altogether. Our legal team can formulate a solid legal defense that may result in a complete dismissal of your case.

However, if you sustain a conviction on your criminal theft charge, we can represent you at your sentencing hearing before a judge and argue for the lightest possible penalties on your behalf. We will also do everything possible to lessen or eliminate the collateral consequences you face after your conviction.