Columbus Felony Theft Attorneys

One of your most fundamental rights is the ability to control and protect your property, including money, real estate, personal items, or services you provide for compensation. If you are accused of unlawfully taking property or services, you could face serious felony theft charges with severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our experienced Columbus theft attorneys can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome—call us today at 614-500-3836 for a free, confidential consultation.

What is Felony Theft?

In Ohio, theft offenses are classified based on the value of the property or services unlawfully obtained, as well as the type of property involved. Felony theft occurs when the stolen property or services exceed certain thresholds or when specific types of property are involved, such as firearms, motor vehicles, or service animals.

Ohio Theft Statutes You Should Know

You may be charged with felony theft under several Ohio Revised Code (ORC) statutes, including:

Theft and Property Offenses:

• ORC 2913.02 – Theft
• ORC 2913.03 – Unauthorized use of a vehicle
• ORC 2913.04 – Unauthorized use of computer, cable, or telecommunications property
• ORC 2913.11 – Passing bad checks
• ORC 2913.21 – Misuse of credit cards
• ORC 2913.31 – Forgery

Fraud-Related Offenses:

• ORC 2913.05 – Telecommunications fraud
• ORC 2913.47 – Insurance fraud
• ORC 2913.48 – Workers’ compensation fraud
• ORC 2913.40 / 2913.42 – Medicaid fraud and eligibility fraud

Robbery, Burglary, and Related Crimes:

• ORC 2911.02 – Robbery
• ORC 2911.11 – Aggravated burglary
• ORC 2911.12 – Burglary
• ORC 2911.31 – Safecracking

These statutes cover a wide range of property and theft-related crimes, and the severity of your charge depends on the circumstances of your case.

When Theft Becomes a Felony in Ohio

In Ohio, whether a theft charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony often depends on the value of the stolen property or services, as well as the circumstances surrounding the offense. Felony theft charges carry more severe penalties, including longer prison terms and higher fines, and they can have long-term consequences on your personal and professional life. The general felony theft levels are:

• Fifth-degree felony: $1,000 – $7,500
  • Considered the lowest-level felony, often for first-time offenders. Penalties may include imprisonment for up to 12 months and fines of up to $2,500.
• Fourth-degree felony: $7,500 – $150,000
  • A mid-level felony with potential imprisonment of up to 18 months and fines up to $5,000.
• Third-degree felony: $150,000 – $750,000
  • Serious offenses that can result in 1–5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felony: $750,000 – $1,500,000
  • High-value theft, carrying 2–8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• First-degree felony: $1,500,000 or more
  • The most serious level of theft, often resulting in 3–11 years of imprisonment and fines up to $20,000.

Certain theft or fraud offenses, such as stealing firearms, motor vehicles, or from protected individuals, can automatically qualify as felonies regardless of value. A skilled Columbus felony theft attorney can evaluate your case, explain potential charges, and develop a strategy to protect your rights and minimize penalties.

Felony Theft Against Protected Individuals

Ohio law imposes harsher penalties if the theft victim belongs to a protected class, such as:

• Elderly individuals
• Disabled adults
• Active-duty service members or their spouses

The degree of felony theft for these cases depends on the value of the property or services stolen:

• Fifth-degree felony: Up to $1,000
  • Penalties may include up to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
• Fourth-degree felony: $1,000 – $7,500
  • Mid-level felony with potential imprisonment of up to 18 months and fines up to $5,000.
• Third-degree felony: $7,500 – $37,500
  • More serious offense, carrying 1–5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felony: $37,500 – $150,000
  • High-value theft, with 2–8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• First-degree felony: $150,000 or more
  • Most severe, often resulting in 3–11 years of imprisonment and fines up to $20,000.

If you are accused of stealing from someone in a protected class, the consequences can be significantly more severe, making it critical to contact an experienced Columbus felony theft attorney immediately.

Felony Theft of Certain Types of Property

Some property types automatically lead to felony charges in Ohio, regardless of value. These offenses are treated more severely due to the nature of the property involved.

Firearms

Theft of a firearm or other dangerous weapon is typically charged as a third-degree felony, and Ohio law presumes imprisonment in many cases. If the theft involves a federally licensed firearms dealer, the offense is elevated to a first-degree felony, carrying significantly harsher penalties. Firearms theft is taken very seriously due to public safety concerns.

Motor Vehicles

Stealing a car or other motor vehicle is considered grand theft and is generally charged as a fourth-degree felony. Even first-time offenders may face significant jail time and fines, as vehicle theft is regarded as a high-value property crime.

Drugs

The theft of dangerous drugs is typically charged as a fourth-degree felony in Ohio. However, if the defendant has prior felony drug convictions, the charge can increase to a third-degree felony. Prosecutors treat these cases strictly due to the potential risks associated with controlled substances.

Service Animals

Stealing an assistance dog, police dog, or other working service animal is classified as a third-degree felony if the perpetrator knew or should have known the animal was in service. Service animals are specially trained to assist vulnerable populations, so theft carries serious legal consequences. Courts often impose jail time and fines to reflect the severity of the offense.

Grand Theft in Ohio

Grand theft is a term used to describe the theft of high-value property or certain types of property that automatically elevate the offense to a felony, regardless of the offender’s intent or prior record. In Ohio, grand theft typically applies to property or services of significant value, including motor vehicles, firearms, and other specially protected items. The designation emphasizes the seriousness of the crime and triggers stricter penalties than standard theft offenses.

Key Points About Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered one of the most serious property crimes in the state of Ohio. Understanding the key aspects of grand theft can help you grasp why these charges carry more severe penalties and why expert legal guidance is crucial.

High-Value Property

Theft of property or services above certain thresholds is classified as grand theft and often corresponds with third-, second-, or first-degree felony charges. The higher the value of the stolen items, the more severe the potential penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. Even first-time offenders may face substantial consequences if convicted of high-value theft.

Specially Protected Items

Certain items, such as firearms, motor vehicles, or legally protected property, automatically elevate a theft offense to grand theft, regardless of value. These items are considered high-risk due to public safety or legal protections, which is why Ohio law treats these offenses more severely. Theft of these items can result in immediate felony charges and presumptions of imprisonment.

Penalties

Convictions for grand theft carry significant consequences, including extended prison terms, substantial fines, and long-term effects on your record. Beyond criminal penalties, a felony conviction can impact employment, housing, and civil rights for years to come. The severity of the penalties is typically tied to both the value of the stolen property and the degree of the felony charged.

Impact on Legal Strategy

Because grand theft is treated as a serious felony, having an experienced Columbus felony theft attorney is critical. An attorney can review evidence, identify defenses, and craft a strategy tailored to the facts of your case. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in reducing charges, negotiating favorable outcomes, or even achieving dismissal.

Grand theft charges are not only legally serious but also carry lasting personal and professional consequences. Anyone facing such allegations should seek legal guidance immediately to protect their rights and pursue the best possible outcome.

Statutory Penalties for Felony Theft

Penalties for felony theft in Ohio vary depending on the degree of the offense, and they become increasingly severe as the felony level rises. First-time offenders may sometimes receive reduced sentences, but a felony conviction can have lasting impacts on your personal and professional life, including employment, housing, and civil rights.

• Fifth-degree felony: 6–12 months in prison, up to $2,500 in fines
  • This is the lowest level of felony theft, often reserved for smaller-value thefts. Even as a first-time offender, a conviction can still affect your criminal record and future opportunities.
• Fourth-degree felony: 6–18 months in prison, up to $5,000 in fines
  • Fourth-degree felony theft is considered a mid-level felony. Convictions at this level carry significant legal consequences, and jail time may be combined with probation, community service, or restitution.
• Third-degree felony: 1–5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
  • Third-degree felony theft is serious, often involving high-value property or property of special importance, such as firearms or service animals. Penalties include longer prison sentences and higher fines.
• Second-degree felony: 2–8 years in prison, up to $15,000 in fines
  • High-value theft or repeat offenses may lead to a second-degree felony charge. Ohio courts impose strict penalties to reflect the severity of the crime, including mandatory prison time in many cases.
• First-degree felony: 3–11 years in prison, up to $20,000 in fines
  • First-degree felony theft is the most severe charge, often involving extremely high-value property or protected victims. Convictions carry long prison terms and substantial fines, and a criminal record at this level can have lifelong consequences.

Defending Against Felony Theft Charges

Defending against felony theft charges requires a thorough understanding of Ohio law and careful review of the evidence. Our Columbus felony theft attorneys develop customized defense strategies to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties. Possible defenses include:

• Demonstrating consent from the property owner
  • If the owner of the property or service gave permission, either explicitly or implicitly, you may have a valid defense against theft charges.
• Proving mistaken identity or providing an alibi
  • Mistaken identity is a common defense, especially in cases where the accused was not present at the scene. Solid alibi evidence can prevent wrongful convictions.
• Showing the theft did not occur, or the accuser has ulterior motives
  • Sometimes, alleged theft may not have occurred, or the accuser may have personal reasons to accuse you falsely. Highlighting inconsistencies can strengthen your defense.
• Challenging illegal searches and seizures
  • If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation, certain evidence may be inadmissible in court. This can be critical in undermining the prosecution’s case.
• Contesting inadmissible or insufficient evidence
  • Our attorneys review all evidence to ensure it meets legal standards. Weak or improperly obtained evidence can be excluded or challenged to protect your defense.

We conduct comprehensive investigations, examine all relevant facts, and work to achieve the best possible outcomes, whether that’s a dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable plea agreement.

How Luftman, Heck & Associates Can Help

Facing felony theft charges in Columbus, Ohio can be overwhelming, and the consequences of a conviction can affect your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. Luftman, Heck & Associates has over a decade of experience defending clients against theft and fraud offenses, from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, giving us the knowledge and skill to handle complex cases effectively.

Our attorneys will:

• Review the evidence against you
  • We carefully examine all police reports, witness statements, and other evidence to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that could strengthen your defense.
• Conduct independent investigations
  • Our team investigates the circumstances of your case, interviews witnesses, and gathers supporting evidence to ensure your side of the story is fully represented.
• Advise you on your legal rights and options
  • We explain the charges, potential penalties, and possible outcomes in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your defense strategy.
• Develop aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case
  • Every case is unique, and we craft defenses that target the specific facts and legal issues involved, whether that’s negotiating a reduction, challenging evidence, or preparing for trial.

We fight diligently to protect your freedom, reputation, and future, ensuring that you have an experienced advocate by your side at every step of the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Theft in Columbus

What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony theft in Ohio?

The main difference is the value of the stolen property or services and the severity of the offense. Felony theft involves higher-value items, certain protected property, or repeat offenses, while misdemeanor theft covers smaller-value property or minor first-time offenses. Felony charges carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Can I face felony charges for stealing services instead of property?

Yes. In Ohio, theft laws cover both tangible property and services that are unlawfully obtained. If the services are of significant value, prosecutors can file felony theft charges, and the penalties can be just as severe as for property theft.

What are common defenses against felony theft charges?

Possible defenses include proving that the property owner gave consent, establishing mistaken identity, demonstrating a lack of intent, or showing that the evidence was obtained illegally. Attorneys may also challenge insufficient or inadmissible evidence. A strong defense strategy can significantly reduce the risk of conviction or mitigate penalties.

What penalties could I face for a first-time felony theft conviction in Columbus?

Penalties depend on the degree of the felony, ranging from 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines from $2,500 to $20,000. First-time offenders may sometimes qualify for reduced sentences, alternative sentencing, or probation, but felony convictions can still have long-term effects on employment, housing, and civil rights.

How can a Columbus felony theft attorney help me?

An experienced attorney investigates your case, reviews all evidence, and identifies potential defenses. They can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge improper procedures, and guide you through the legal process to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Having skilled representation can make a critical difference in the result of your case.

Contact our Columbus Felony Theft Attorneys for Help Today

If you have been arrested and charged with a theft crime in Ohio, and the offense is a felony, it is essential to hire an experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyer. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our Columbus felony theft attorneys have years of experience defending against these charges in court. They will fight diligently to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us through our online form, or call 614-500-3836 to schedule your initial case consultation.