Theft Crimes Defense Attorney in Columbus

Retaining the right Columbus Criminal Theft Defense Attorney can mean all the difference in the world. Could be the difference between being stigmatized as a theif for the rest of your life. Financial crimes are typically committed by people under financial stress. Although financial stress is no defense for a criminal act, it does help to explain your actions, and may be a consideration in working out a plea deal or avoiding prison. Even if your guilty as sin, our firms negotiating will typically relieve you of any prison terms. Our experience and quick acting in determining the manner in which to proceed in your case is essential and obtaining a favorable outcome.

Theft Crimes Defense Attorney

Theft offenses in Ohio may be committed in several fashions. i.e. Passing Bad Checks: If you know that a check will not be honored by the bank or if you stop payment on a check, you can be charged with this offense. This means that if you write a check on a closed account or even write it on an account where there are insufficient funds, you can be charged criminally. The charge you face depends on the value of the check passed. Check Value Criminal Charge Maximum Sentence Up to $1000 1st degree misdemeanor Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines $1,000- $7,500 to a single vendor or person 5th degree felony 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines $1,000-$5,000 to multiple vendors or people 5th degree felony 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines $5,000- $100,000 4th degree felony 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines Ref: ORC 2913.11

Misuse of Credit Cards in Ohio – Criminal Laws & Penalties This charge encompasses many offenses related to credit card fraud.

You may be charged with misuse of a credit card if you:

• Knowingly buy or sell a credit card to or from someone other than the intended user,
• Practice deception to obtain a credit card,
• Obtain a credit card from someone as security for a debt,
• Use an expired or revoked credit card to gain something of value, or
• Represent yourself as the original issuer of a credit card when you know that representation is false. Typically misuse of a credit card is a 1st degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines reaching $1,000.

However if you are involved in more than one violation of this law within a period of 90 days, your charge could be elevated as high as a 4th degree felony dependent on the value of the property or services illegally obtained. A 4th degree felony carries a potential sentence of 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Ref: ORC 2913.21 Ohio Identity Fraud – Laws & Penalties A fairly recent law, identity fraud has grown incredibly over the last two decades. You may be charged with this offense if the prosecution believes they can prove that you were in possession of personal identifying information of another person with the intent to:

• Represent yourself as the other person, OR
• Use the identifying information as your own. The charge you face depends on the value that the misrepresented person or victim was defrauded from.

Value Charge Sentence

Up to $500 5th degree felony 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines $500- $5,000 4th degree felony 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines $5,000-$100,000 3rd degree felony 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines More than $100,000 2nd degree felony 2-8 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines Ref: ORC 2913.49 Bad Checks or Credit Card Fraud Charge? Free Ohio Criminal Defense Consultation All white collar crimes like bad checks, identity theft and credit card fraud are taken very seriously in Ohio criminal courts. If you are facing any of these charges or another charge that you have questions about, call for a consultation today with our team of legal professionals.

Other Practice Areas

• Warrants
• Burglary
• Domestic Violence 
• DUI and OMVI
• Murder
• Restraining Order
• Sex Crimes
• Traffic Tickets
• Weapon Charges
• Assault Charges
• Conspiracy
• Drug Trafficking & Possession
• Forfeitures
• Hit & Run
• Probation Violation
• Robbery
• Shoplifting

Call Rutan Law for an Experienced, Diligent and Compassionate Lawyer who understands the hardships and struggles this offense compels.

Available: When I Am Awake- 614-307-4343