Mentor Theft Lawyer

Mentor Theft Attorney

It’s a scary situation to face theft charges in Mentor when your freedom and future are on the line. At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we have the Mentor theft lawyer you need when you need someone who knows the law, the courts, and what it takes to protect your rights. We stand between you and the criminal justice system’s full force. We understand how fast a theft investigation can snowball and how crucial early legal intervention is to the result in your case.

For over 15 years, Fortress Law Group, LLC has been defending people accused of crimes across Lake County. If you have a court date in the Lake County Court of Common Pleas, or if you are under investigation by police, our lawyers approach each case with integrity, compassion, courage, and a commitment to you, our client. We stand ready to protect your rights and future when good people are wrongly accused or make unfortunate choices.

Understanding Theft Laws in Ohio

Ohio theft laws are enumerated in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2913.02. Theft is as knowingly obtaining or exerting control over the property of another without the other’s consent. Though the law is easily understood, the severity of the charge is determined by the value of the property, whether force was involved, and if the alleged victim was a member of a protected class, such as the elderly or those in public office. Some common theft charges include:

• Petty theft
• Theft
• Grand theft
• Shoplifting
• Receiving stolen property
• Aggravated theft
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle

A conviction for even misdemeanor theft can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record that will haunt you for life. Felony theft charges are even more serious, with many of these cases resulting in long prison terms and substantial financial penalties. Theft crimes damage employment prospects and professional licenses because society regards them as acts of dishonesty, which also hurts personal reputation.

Potential Penalties for Theft Crimes

In Ohio in 2022, the property crime rate 2022 was 1,782.7 per 100,000 people. There were 199,610 property crime incidents in the state, with 144,279 being for larceny-theft. Penalties for these crimes depend largely on the offense and the property value. Some potential penalties include:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Restitution/paying back the stolen property
• Community service
• Probation
• Criminal record

Depending on the nature of the crime, a convicted person may also face loss of professional licenses, setbacks in immigration, and termination, especially in certain career fields that fear you may steal from. For example, if you work in retail and were convicted of shoplifting.

Possible Defenses to Theft Charges

If you have been charged with theft, a Mentor theft attorney can help you formulate an appropriate defense for your case, depending on the details. Some common defenses include:

• Mistaken identity. Particularly in cases that rely on eyewitness accounts
• The defendant was under the influence. This defense is sometimes used to show that the defendant was so intoxicated that they didn’t realize the property they were taking wasn’t theirs.
• Mistake of fact. This defense is used when the defendant didn’t know that the property was someone else’s.

A defendant may also be able to argue that they believed that the property believed they had a right to take the property. When you hire a theft lawyer, they can help you with your defense after you give them the specific facts of your case.

Hire a Theft Lawyer

Hiring a theft lawyer is important if you have been accused of a crime. Theft charges could mean you lose your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Theft cases can be based on circumstantial evidence, such as security camera footage, witness testimony, digital evidence, or even miscommunication regarding ownership of property.

A theft lawyer will know how to approach each aspect of your case and may be able to identify weak areas in the case against you. A good theft lawyer can do everything they can to protect your rights and defend you against these charges. This may include negotiating with the prosecution to lessen or drop charges when appropriate. It may also mean helping you avoid long-term consequences such as a permanent criminal record or loss of employment.

FAQs

How Much Do You Have to Steal to Go to Jail in Ohio?

In Mentor, Ohio, jail time is a potential punishment for any theft offense, even low-level crimes. Petty theft of $1,000 or less is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail. Higher dollar values are felonies, leading to longer prison terms. Sentences depend on the value of the property, the person’s record, and the case’s circumstances.

What Evidence Do You Need for Theft?

The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of taking or exercising control over the property of another person. The taking or exercising of control must have been done knowingly. The state may attempt to prove its case through video or eyewitness identification, receipts, electronic records, retail store security records, return of stolen property, or computer records that demonstrate control or intent to control.

What Is the Law on Shoplifting in Ohio?

Shoplifting is generally prosecuted in Ohio under the state’s general theft statute, ORC §2913.02. It occurs when you take merchandise without paying or otherwise attempt to deprive a store of property or its value. Shoplifting can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the items. Punishment can include fines, jail, restitution, and long-term consequences on your record.

What Is the Strongest Burden of Proof?

The highest standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This standard is used in criminal cases. The prosecution must prove that the defendant committed the crime to the highest possible degree, without any other reasonable explanation. It prevents people from being convicted of crimes for which they may be innocent.

Mentor Theft Lawyer

If you have been charged with theft, don’t hesitate to contact Fortress Law Group, LLC today to begin fighting for your future. We can help you build a strong defense and fight for your rights.

Mentor Theft Lawyer Reviews

Meet Your Attorney

Matthew C. Bangerter

Founder, Fortress Law Group, LLC

Matthew draws on his unique background as a former Assistant Prosecutor and his scientific expertise in molecular genetics to bring unparalleled precision and strategy to criminal defense in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges, serious felony indictments, or federal prosecution, he builds defense strategies rooted in forensic evidence analysis, cutting-edge legal theory, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your constitutional rights and positioning you for the strongest outcome in court.

Call (440) 659-1315