Ohio Theft Laws: Types, Penalties, & Defenses

What You Need to Know About Ohio Theft Laws

If law enforcement catches you stealing in Ohio, you might wonder what penalties apply to you. Here’s everything you need to know about Ohio theft laws.

Ohio law divides theft into four main categories: petty theft, theft, grand theft, and aggravated theft. People convicted of theft will face fines and possibly jail time.

Types of Theft Offenses & Penalties

In Ohio, Section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits theft by stating that no person may exert control over another’s property or services to deprive them of the property/services when any of the following applies:

Without the owner’s consent (or consent from an authorized person);
Beyond the scope of the owner’s express or implied consent;
By deception, threat, or intimidation.

Ohio law divides theft into several categories, depending on the value of the stolen property. Below are the characteristics of different types of theft and their corresponding fines and penalties.

Petty Theft

An individual is guilty of petty theft when the value of the stolen property is below $1,000. Petty theft is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Penalties: The offender will face up to $1,000 in fines and six months in prison.

Theft

An individual is guilty of theft and is charged with a fifth-degree felony when:

The value of the stolen property is $1,000-$7,500, or
The value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, and the victim is part of a protected class, or
A credit card or other negotiable instrument

Protected classes include elderly persons, disabled adults, active duty service members, and spouses of active duty service members.

Penalties: The offender will face up to $2,500 in fines and 12 months in prison.

Grand Theft

An individual is guilty of grand theft and is charged with a fourth-degree felony when:

The value of the stolen property is $7,500-$150,000, or
The value of the stolen property is $1,000-$7,500, and the victim is part of a protected class, or
The stolen property is a motor vehicle or any dangerous drug

Penalties: The offender will face up to $5,000 in fines and 18 months in prison.

Aggravated Theft

There are three subcategories of aggravated theft with different classes of felonies:

Ohio considers aggravated theft a third-degree felony when:

The value of the stolen property is $150,000-$750,000, or
The value of the stolen property is $7,500-$37,500, and the victim is part of a protected class, or
The stolen property is a firearm, police dog, horse, or an assistance dog

Penalties: An individual convicted of a third-degree felony will face up to $10,000 in fines and five years in prison.

Ohio considers aggravated theft a second-degree felony when:

The value of the stolen property is $750,000-$1,500,000, or
The value of the stolen property is $37,500-150,000, and the victim is part of a protected class

Penalties: An individual convicted of a second-degree felony will face up to $15,000 in fines and eight years in prison.

Ohio considers aggravated theft a first-degree felony when:

The value of the stolen property is at least $1,500,000, or
The value of the stolen property is $150,000, and the victim is part of a protected class

Penalties: An individual convicted of a first-degree felony will face up to $20,000 in fines and life in prison.

There is no separate legislation for shoplifting or burglary; both are considered theft under Ohio laws. Under Section 2935.041 of the Ohio Revised Codes, a person suspected of a theft offense can be detained by merchants, security guards, employees, etc., until law enforcement arrives.

Possible Defenses For Theft Convictions in Ohio

No Intent to Steal

The defendant could argue that they had no intention of stealing.

2. Claim of Right

The defendant could show that they had reasonable cause to believe they had ownership rights to the property.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Ohio Theft Laws, get your free consultation with one of our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio today!