At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our team consists of three former prosecutors, and we have more than 70 years of combined legal experience. This means that if you are facing theft charges, you have a team behind you that can anticipate the legal strategies the other side will use and knows how to defend against them. If you’re facing theft charges, you can turn to us to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome possible. Contact an Akron theft crime lawyer at Patituce & Associates today.
How Our Akron Theft Defense Lawyers Can Help You with Your Case
When you hire Patituce & Associates, LLC, you can rely on us to:
- Explain the charges against you – Some people do not take theft crimes seriously and may not consider the long-term consequences of a conviction and criminal record. We can be sure you are aware of the potential ramifications before you accept a plea deal.
- Investigate possible defenses – A person may be charged with theft due to a simple misunderstanding or assumption. We can determine if there are plausible arguments we can raise on your behalf.
- Represent you at trial – If you decide to proceed with trial, we can fight to show the jury the government has not met its heavy burden of proof against you.
Theft Cases We Handle
Some of the theft crime cases our dedicated lawyers handle include:
- O.R.C. 2913.02: Theft
- O.R.C. 2913.03: Unauthorized use of a vehicle
- O.R.C. 2913.04: Unauthorized use of property – computer, cable, or telecommunication property
- O.R.C. 2913.041: Possession or sale of an unauthorized cable television device
- O.R.C. 2913.06: Unlawful use of telecommunications device
- O.R.C. 2913.07: Motion picture piracy
- O.R.C. 2913.11: Passing bad checks
- O.R.C. 2913.21: Misuse of credit cards
- O.R.C. 2913.31: Forging, selling, or distributing identification cards
- O.R.C. 2913.32: Criminal simulation
- O.R.C. 2913.34: Trademark counterfeiting
O.R.C. 2913.42: Tampering with records
- O.R.C. 2913.421: Illegally transmitting multiple commercial electronic mail messages (spamming)
- O.R.C. 2913.43: Securing writings by deception
- O.R.C. 2913.51: Receiving stolen property
- O.R.C. 2913.61: Finding of the value of stolen property as part of the verdict
- O.R.C. 2913.71: Felony of fifth-degree regardless of the value of the property
We also defend clients who are facing any type of fraud charges.
Understanding Criminal Penalties for Theft Crimes in Ohio
It is important to understand that the potential criminal penalties you face depend in large part on the value of the items in question. For example, receiving stolen property can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which has a maximum sentence of six months in jail. This offense is reserved for items valued at less than $1,000. The more valuable the stolen funds or goods are, the stricter the potential criminal penalties, ranging from a maximum penalty of one year to ten years, plus fines and restitution. Anything valued at over $1,000 can result in felony charges.
Additionally, Ohio law allows prosecutors to lump together a series of smaller thefts to reach a higher amount, thereby increasing the potential penalties you face. So, what you might’ve thought was a minor misdemeanor offense could actually be a felony charge that has the potential to strip you of your freedom.
Contact Us for a Free Theft Defense Consultation
If you are facing any type of theft charge, the legal team at Patituce & Associates, LLC can help. We are a team of former prosecutors and aggressive trial attorneys who will fight diligently to protect our clients’ rights. We provide a free and confidential consultation you can take advantage of by calling (440) 471-7784.