Theft & Fraud Related Offenses

Though Ohio, like most other states, criminalizes theft and fraud, the degree of the crime and severity of punishment is dependent upon the value of the property stolen and the means by which the perpetrator took the property. That’s why it is critical – for your freedom and your future livelihood – that you engage with experienced legal counsel to help defend your rights in a theft or fraud claim.

Who We Are

The criminal defense lawyers at McCarthy Lebit have extensive experience in defending clients charged with theft and fraud-related offenses.  Additionally, the head of our Criminal Defense practice, Rob Glickman (also our Managing Principal), formerly served as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and prior to joining McCarthy Lebit, he served as a Judge in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas where he presided over many theft and fraud cases.  Rob’s experience on the “other side” and as a Judge, equips our entire criminal defense team with unique and valuable insight that most defense attorneys would never have.  Because we have that inside track, we have a better understanding for how a Prosecutor is likely to make their case, and we can more accurately anticipate Judicial reactions to defense tactics, strategies, and motion pleadings. Armed with this invaluable insight, our team leverages their collective experiences to staunchly defend our clients against claims of theft or fraud.

How We Help

Ohio’s Revised Code (O.R.C.) draws a clear distinction between theft and fraud. Per Chapter 2913 of the O.R.C., fraud involves the use of deceit, lies and other misrepresentations to trick or con a person or business into giving you money or another benefit of value that does not lawfully belong to you. Theft, on the other hand, involves unlawfully taking something that does not belong to you with no intention to return it, and these offenses can be felonies or misdemeanors. You can also be charged with theft by deception, by threat or by intimidation.

Though Ohio categorizes theft and fraud differently, the penalties are essentially the same and dependent upon the value of property stolen. Below is a brief outline of how Ohio classifies various levels of theft and fraud:

• Petty Theft: Theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is a first-degree misdemeanor;
• Theft: Theft of property with a value of between $1,000 and $7,500 is a fifth-degree felony;
• Grand Theft: Theft of property with a value of between $7,500 and $150,000 is a fourth-degree felony;
• Aggravated Theft: Theft of property/services with a value of $150,000 to $750,000 is a third-degree felony; theft of property/services with a value of $750,000 to $1.5 million is a second-degree felony; and theft of property with a value of more than $1.5 million is a first-degree felony; and
• Fraud: Fraud can be a first- through fifth-degree felony, depending on the value of the property or services stolen.

Depending on the degree of the crime and how you acquired the stolen property, you are looking at serving anywhere between six to 12 months and three to 11 years in prison. Theft and fraud convictions also come with fines of between $2,500 and $20,000.

Who We Represent

Clients who hire our criminal defense attorneys for theft or fraud claims are typically facing charges and need a team of experienced criminal trial attorneys to defend them.  Our criminal defense attorneys have a wide range of experience handling theft and fraud matters, including:

Do not let a theft or fraud conviction ruin your future. Any of McCarthy Lebit’s theft and fraud attorney can help you build a strong defense and can help you obtain either reduced or dropped charges.