Painesville Theft Lawyer

Painesville Theft Attorney

Theft offenses can be serious misdemeanors or felonies. These charges can have severe consequences on your life if you are convicted, leading to fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. You should never take these cases lightly. If you have been charged with shoplifting, fraud, embezzlement, or other types of theft, a Painesville theft lawyer can help. The right lawyer can assess your case and fight for the ideal outcome, such as a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Hire a Theft Lawyer at Fortress Law Group, LLC in Painesville

For over 15 years, Fortress Law Group, LLC has stood up and fought for the rights of our clients throughout Lake County. We understand how overwhelming and stressful criminal charges are to face. Even a seemingly minor offense can have a lot of immediate and collateral consequences on your employment, finances, and opportunities. We help you protect your future. Our Painesville criminal defense attorney has unique experience in the prosecution to better help you defend your rights.

Some of our notable case results include:

• Case dismissal for an individual charged in Painesville Municipal Court with theft at Walmart self-checkout
• Case dismissal for an individual charged with theft of cash from an employer
• Charges found Not True during a trial for shoplifting through the Lake County Juvenile Court

At our firm, we have experience with the Painesville Municipal Court and the Lake County Court of Common Pleas. Let us give you the support you need.

Theft Offenses in Painesville and Ohio

In all of Ohio in December 2023, there were over 5,000 other larceny offenses, nearly 2,800 shoplifting offenses, and over 800 cases of theft from a building.

There was a rate of 1,102 theft or larceny offenses in Lake County in 2023 per 100,000 people. There were 417 shoplifting offenses, 87 theft-from-building offenses, 72 cases of motor vehicle theft, and 495 cases of all other larceny offenses.

In Ohio, theft offenses include obtaining or having control over someone’s property or services, with the intent to deprive that person of their property or services, through:

1. Lack of consent of the owner
2. Operating outside the parameters of the implied or express consent of the owner
3. Deception
4. Threat
5. Intimidation

Theft offenses in Ohio can include:

• Shoplifting or retail theft
• Motor vehicle theft
• Firearm theft
• Petty theft
• Grand theft
• Burglary
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Extortion

These offenses may be charged as misdemeanors, but many are charged as felonies, especially when the value of the stolen time or service is significant, or the victim of the crime is a protected person.

What Are Theft Penalties in Painesville?

When there are no aggravating factors involved, theft is charged with the following penalties:

• Theft of property or services valued under $1,000 is a first-degree misdemeanor, which leads to up to $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail.
• Theft of $1,000 or more but under $7,500 is a fifth-degree felony.
• Theft of items like a credit card, a blank check, a vehicle’s license plate, or a motor vehicle certificate would also be a fifth-degree felony.
• Theft of $7,500 or more but less than $150,000 is a fourth-degree felony.
• Conviction of a theft offense when there is a prior conviction of a felony theft offense in the prior three years is also a fourth-degree felony.
• Theft of $150,000 or more but less than $750,000 is a third-degree felony and aggravated theft.
• Conviction of a theft offense when there are two or more convictions of felony theft offenses in the past three years is also a third-degree felony and aggravated theft.
• Theft of $750,000 or more but less than $1.5 million is a second-degree felony and aggravated theft.
• Theft of more than $1.5 million in aggravated theft and a first-degree felony, which can result in up to $20,000 in fines, restitution to the victims, and a minimum imprisonment term of between three and eleven years in prison.

FAQs

What Evidence Do You Need for Theft?

The evidence the state needs to prosecute someone for theft is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the person knowingly obtained or had control over property or services of another with the intent to deprive the owner of that property or services through threat, deception, lack of consent, or other means. The prosecution may use eyewitness statements, surveillance or other CCTV footage, stolen property reports, receipts, and computer records to prove these elements.

What Is the Punishment for Theft in Ohio?

The punishment for theft in Ohio relies on the value of the item or items stolen, the victim of the crime, or whether the stolen items were specific items like firearms or dangerous drugs. The lightest theft charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, which can be penalized by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. This punishment applies to theft of property or services valued under $1,000.

What Level of Theft Becomes a Felony?

Theft offenses in Painesville, Ohio become a felony offense if the property or services stolen were valued at or over $1,000. There are also circumstances where theft is a felony even if the value of the stolen items is under this amount. This includes whether the victim of the crime is a protected person, like the elderly, a disabled adult, or an active-duty service member. It also includes whether the stolen property is an item like a firearm or motor vehicle.

How Can You Win a Petty Theft Case?

You are more likely to win a petty theft case if you hire a theft lawyer to assess the ideal method of defense for your unique case. An attorney can review potential defenses, such as intoxication or a mistake, meaning you did not intend to commit the crime. Your defense lawyer can also argue misidentification by witnesses. An attorney may also be able to help you navigate and negotiate a plea deal that is reasonable and in your interests.

Addressing Theft and Larceny Charges With a Painesville Theft Attorney

If you have been arrested for theft offenses, your next steps are vital for your future. Reach out to Fortress Law Group, LLC today to get a strong and knowledgeable defense and potentially mitigate the worst of the penalties against you.

Painesville 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