Different Types of Theft and Fraud and Their Penalties

The general crime of taking something from someone else is known as theft. There are many degrees and levels of theft. Theft, also known as “larceny,” is the act of taking or using the property of another person or entity. According to Ohio Revised Code: “No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services in any of the following ways:

(1) Without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(2) Beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(3) By deception;

(4) By threat;

(5) By intimidation.”

This chart details the level of charges and potential penalties associated with each charge.

Crime	Charge	Fine	Jail Time
Theft of goods under $1,000	First Degree Misdemeanor Petty Theft	$1,000	180 days
Theft of goods valued between $1,000 and  $7,500	Fifth Degree Felony	$2,500	6 to 12 months
Theft of goods valued between $7500 to $150,000 or auto theft	Fourth Degree Felony Grand Theft	$5,000	6 to 18 months
Theft of goods valued between $150,000 and $750,000 or theft of a firearm or anhydrous ammonia	Third Degree Felony Aggravated Theft	$10,000	1 to 5 years
Theft of goods valued between $750,000 to $1.5 million	Second Degree Felony Aggravated Theft	$15,000	2 to 8 years

In the State of Ohio, when the value of the goods stolen is under $1,000, this crime is classified as a first degree misdemeanor.

If the victim of the theft is someone in a “protected class” (an elderly person, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member) the offense automatically is bumped to the next higher level. For example, if the victim of the theft is a member of a protected class, an otherwise first degree misdemeanor becomes a fifth degree felony.

Robbery is the crime when a theft occurs using violence, intimidation, or threats. The added element of violence or the threat of violence carries heavier penalties than theft charges because of the violence or threat of violence.

Fraud can be a wide-ranging term. Fraud can include identity fraud, mail fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, and counterfeiting. The crime of fraud generally uses deception to bring financial harm to the victim.  

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you’ve been charged with any sort of theft or fraud offense in Central Ohio, get an attorney with the experience needed to defend you against these serious charges. You need the representation of a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you fight these charges. The Maher Law Firm can help make sure that your rights and record are protected.