Your Defense For Theft Related Crimes In Ohio.
Confronting charges of fraud, obstruction, or theft in Ohio can significantly impact your life and reputation. Our legal team is adept at defending individuals accused of these complex financial and deceptive offenses. We are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and diligently working towards the most favorable resolution for your matter.
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What Are Fraud, Obstruction, and Theft-Related Crimes In Ohio?
Several factors are associated with being charged, and if a conviction is possible regarding fraud, obstruction, and theft-related crimes, there are also several possible defenses available if the facts allow for them. Depending on which crime you are charged with, the accused may be looking at a low-level misdemeanor or a high-level felony that carries significant prison time and potential fines.
Fraud, Obstruction, and Theft Related Crimes In Ohio.
Under federal law, fraud encompasses a wide range of criminal offenses, each involving deception for personal or financial gain. These include wire fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, computer fraud, insurance fraud, Federal Food Stamp Fraud, and PPP loan fraud, among others. Each type of fraud carries its own specific legal definitions and penalties, reflecting the diverse ways in which fraudulent activities can be conducted and the serious nature of these offenses at the federal level.
Fraud
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Telecommunications Fraud
Under Ohio's Section 2913.05 of the Revised Code, telecommunications fraud is defined as knowingly disseminating or transmitting misleading information via various communication means, including wire, radio, and internet, with the intent to defraud.
The severity of this offense is determined by the value of the benefit obtained or the detriment caused, with penalties ranging from a fifth-degree felony for lower values to a first-degree felony for fraud involving one million dollars or more.
In Ohio, under Revised Code § 2921.32, obstruction of justice occurs when a person intentionally hinders the discovery, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for a crime, or assists someone in benefiting from a crime. Actions that constitute this offense include harboring or concealing the person, providing them with assistance such as money or transportation, warning them of potential discovery, destroying evidence, communicating false information, or obstructing others through force or deception from aiding legal processes. The severity of the charge, ranging from misdemeanor to varying degrees of felony, depends on the nature of the crime aided.
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Obstruction Of Justice
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Receiving Stolen Property
In Ohio, under Revised Code § 2913.51, it is unlawful to receive, retain, or dispose of someone else's property when knowing or having reason to believe it was obtained through theft. The violation severity varies from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, depending on the property's value and type. Specific circumstances, such as the property being a motor vehicle, dangerous drug, firearm, or exceeding certain value thresholds, elevate the crime's degree.
In Ohio, under Revised Code § 2913.02, an individual can be charged with theft if they knowingly obtain or exert control over property or services valued at $500 or more but less than $5,000 through various means. These include taking without the owner's (or authorized person's) consent, exceeding the owner's consent, by deception, threat, or intimidation. Additionally, as per Ohio Revised Code § 2913.71, theft charges apply regardless of the property's value if the item stolen is a credit card, check, negotiable instrument, motor vehicle identification license plates or stickers, a blank motor vehicle certificate of title, or any blank identification license form. Such offenses are classified as a felony of the fifth degree.
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Theft
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Burglary
In Ohio, per Revised Code § 2911.12, burglary involves trespassing into an occupied structure with criminal intent, using force, stealth, or deception, especially if another person is present. Aggravated burglary, detailed in Rev. Code § 2911.11, includes these elements along with physical harm threats or the presence of a deadly weapon.
Penalties vary by degree: Second-degree felony burglary, with someone else present and criminal intent, can lead to two to eight years in prison and fines up to $15,000. A third-degree felony, where no one else is present, carries one to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. For a fourth-degree felony, involving trespassing without further criminal intent but with the potential presence of others, the penalty ranges from six to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000. Aggravated burglary is a first-degree felony, with potential penalties of three to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
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Robbery
In Ohio, under Rev. Code § 2911.02, a person may face robbery charges for committing, attempting, or fleeing from a theft offense while possessing a deadly weapon, inflicting or threatening physical harm, or using or threatening immediate force. Aggravated robbery, outlined in Rev. Code § 2911.01, involves similar acts but includes the display, use, or indication of a deadly weapon, inflicting or threatening serious harm, or possession of dangerous ordnance. It also encompasses situations where an individual attempts to disarm a law enforcement officer during their duties.
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The penalties for robbery depend on the offense's severity: a second-degree felony for using or threatening force, punishable by two to eight years in prison and fines up to $10,000; a third-degree felony for other robbery types, excluding aggravated robbery, with one to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000; and aggravated robbery as a first-degree felony, carrying three to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
Assisting Southern Ohio Residents With Legal Matters.
We understand the worry that comes with being accused of fraud, obstruction, and theft crimes in Ohio. It is paramount that an accused consult with an attorney who is experienced in the variations of criminal defense, the elements of each crime, and the various defenses associated. Beyond all, it is critical that the accused consult with an attorney who is willing to fight and advocate for them in their darkest hour.
3 Steps To Handle Fraud, Obstruction, and Theft Crimes.
Contact
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation to determine the specific needs of your case.
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Strategy
After the initial consultation, we will work to develop an in-depth strategy to assist in achieving optimal results for your case.
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Relief
From the first meeting to the close of your matter, enjoy the comfort of knowing that a proven professional is in your corner.
Important Disclaimer
The information that you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls and emails. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.