Columbus Theft Attorneys

Arrested for Theft in Columbus? Call LHA to Defend Yourself

A theft or fraud conviction can seriously impact your criminal record as well as your reputation at work and in the community. If you’re being investigated for theft or fraud, or if you’re already facing charges, you need a skilled Columbus theft attorney near you.

If you are convicted of a theft or fraud offense, potential consequences include incarceration, fines, difficulty obtaining and/or maintaining employment, professional licensure issues, and problems related to immigration. If you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the legal process can be challenging to navigate. To schedule a free, initial consultation of your case, contact Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 500-3836.

The Columbus theft defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates assist people facing an array of theft and fraud charges, including:

Fictitious ID

Using a fake ID or lending your identification to someone not entitled to it is a criminal offense in Ohio. This can include attempts to purchase alcohol, gain entry to restricted areas, or commit other crimes. A conviction is typically treated as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying fines, possible jail time, and long-term consequences for employment and educational opportunities.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting occurs when someone intentionally takes merchandise from a store without paying for it. Charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the stolen items and any prior offenses. Convictions can result in fines, probation, or jail, and may also harm your reputation and future job prospects.

Tampering with Records

Tampering with records involves altering, destroying, or falsifying documents, logs, or other types of official or personal records. If computer or digital data is involved, charges may escalate to a felony. Even minor alterations are taken seriously by prosecutors and can result in significant legal consequences.

Unauthorized Use of Property

Using someone else’s property without permission—such as computers, internet services, cable systems, or vehicles—constitutes unauthorized use of property. If the use involved an attempt to defraud the owner, charges may escalate to a felony. Convictions can include fines, restitution, and potential jail or prison time, depending on the severity of the offense.

Complicity

Complicity occurs when you knowingly assist, encourage, or conspire with others to commit a crime. In Ohio, this is typically treated as a first-degree misdemeanor, but the penalties can increase depending on the underlying crime. Prosecutors may hold you equally responsible, even if you did not directly commit the primary offense.

Defrauding a Livery or Hostelry

Defrauding a hotel, Airbnb, or other rental service involves obtaining lodging or services through false representation or deceit. Charges may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the extent of the financial harm caused. Beyond criminal penalties, convictions can result in civil liability, professional license issues, and difficulties in obtaining employment.

Forgery

Forgery involves creating or altering written documents, checks, or identification cards with the intention of deceiving or committing fraud. This offense is usually prosecuted as a felony in Ohio and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and restitution. It can also have lasting effects on your personal and professional reputation.

Passing Bad Checks

Writing a check knowing there are insufficient funds, or issuing a check from an account that does not belong to you, is a criminal offense. Depending on the amount and circumstances, a bad check offense may be a misdemeanor or a felony. Convictions can result in fines, mandatory restitution to the victim, and potential imprisonment.

Fraud

Fraud is a broad category of crimes involving deception for personal or financial gain, including credit card fraud, identity theft, or workers’ compensation fraud. Most fraud offenses are classified as felonies due to the potential harm to victims. A conviction can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, and long-term difficulties in securing employment or professional licensure.

Criminal Simulation

Criminal simulation occurs when someone misrepresents an item as being more valuable or authentic than it really is. Charges may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value and intent to defraud. Convictions can carry fines, restitution, and potential jail or prison sentences, as well as damage to your personal and professional reputation.

Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone unlawfully uses another person’s personal identifying information for financial or personal gain. This crime is treated as a felony and may be prosecuted under state or federal law. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, fines, and long-term consequences for credit and employment.

Insider Trading

Insider trading involves buying or selling securities based on non-public, material information. This federal offense is taken very seriously, and convictions can result in felony charges, including imprisonment, significant fines, and disgorgement of any illicit profits. It also can permanently damage your professional reputation and career opportunities.

Racketeering

Racketeering refers to participating in organized criminal activities, often as part of a larger criminal enterprise. It is prosecuted at both state and federal levels as a felony and can include penalties such as long-term imprisonment and heavy fines. Convictions often have lifelong consequences, impacting employment, travel, and personal freedoms.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the theft or misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care, often in a workplace or business context. This offense can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen assets. Convictions typically result in imprisonment, fines, restitution, and significant professional and personal repercussions.

If you’re facing any of the above Ohio theft charges and are concerned about the implications a conviction could have on your life, call a Columbus theft attorney from Luftman, Heck & Associates right away.

If you are being investigated or have been charged, Luftman, Heck & Associates will conduct an independent investigation. We request discovery from the prosecutor, which includes police reports, surveillance, and interviews. Our attorneys also speak with witnesses to verify or challenge their statements, ensuring the strongest possible defense.

Penalties of Theft and Fraud in Ohio

If you’re found guilty of a theft or fraud offense, you could be punished with as little as 30 days in jail and a fine of $250, or as much as 11 years in prison and fines reaching $20,000. Additionally, theft and fraud cases often require reparations that can increase the cost of your penalties. By working with a Columbus theft attorney from our firm, you can avoid the harsh penalties established by Ohio law.

Misdemeanor Theft Offenses

Many Ohio theft crimes are misdemeanors, and can result in the following statutory penalties if you are convicted:

• First-degree misdemeanor – up to 180 days in jail, and $1,000 in fines
• Second-degree misdemeanor – up to 90 days in jail, and $750 in fines
• Third-degree misdemeanor – up to 60 days in jail, and $500 in fines
• Fourth-degree misdemeanor – up to 30 days in jail, and $250 in fines
• Minor misdemeanor – no jail sentence and up to $150 in fines

Theft and fraud offenses are commonly charged as first-degree misdemeanors. However, a skilled theft lawyer can help you plead your charge down to a lower-level offense. This would provide you with an opportunity to seek lower statutory penalties and alternative sentencing options.

Felony Theft & Fraud Offenses

Theft and fraud felony charges in Ohio may result in the following if you are found guilty of an offense:

• First-degree felony – three to 11 years in prison and $20,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony – two to eight years in prison and $15,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony – nine months to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines
• Fourth-degree felony – six to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines
• Fifth-degree felony – six to 12 months in prison and $2,500 in fines

A felony offense can be extremely difficult to handle, and it will impact every aspect of your life. If you work with a Columbus theft attorney, you may be able to get your charge reduced or completely eliminated.

Alternative Sentencing for Theft

If you are convicted of theft or fraud, your attorney may be able to obtain alternative sentencing on your behalf, therefore helping you avoid incarceration. It’s important to work with a skilled theft lawyer during the sentencing phase of your case to ensure that you explore all of your options. Common alternative sentences include:

Substance Abuse Treatment

If you have a substance abuse problem that may have contributed to your theft offense, you may enter into a treatment program instead of serving a jail or prison sentence.

Theft Diversion Program

The Ohio theft diversion program is a pre-trial diversion program that serves as an alternative to trial and potential conviction. This alternative sentence is often offered by the prosecuting attorney when it is unlikely that the offender will commit another crime. First-time offenders of theft are frequently eligible for this alternative sentencing option. The program typically requires probation, during which time you may be tested for drug or alcohol consumption. You may also be required to participate in therapy, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and community service.

What Will Happen to My Professional License?

One of the collateral consequences of a theft or fraud charge may include the revocation of your professional license(s). Every professional licensing board has different rules for criminal reporting and disqualification. Nurses, real estate agents, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals are required to comply with their respective boards’ rules regarding criminal convictions.

If you are convicted of a crime, you may have to report it to your professional licensing board and undergo an administrative hearing. You have a right to legal representation throughout all professional license hearings. If you are concerned about your license being suspended or revoked, your lawyer may be able to help you seek alternative punishments that ensure your ability to continue practicing your profession.

Are you a professional license holder? The dismissal and subsequent expungement, or sealing of a record can successfully and permanently remove most theft cases from a criminal background check.

After a careful review of your case, the experienced theft lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates may be able to help you expunge a theft case from your criminal record. Expungement is the process by which your arrest or criminal conviction records are sealed. Ohio allows for the expungement of some convictions after a certain period of time has passed. By working with our firm, you can seek to have your record sealed so it does not further affect your life.

After a careful review of your theft charge, the experienced Columbus theft and fraud attorneys at LHA may be able to permanently remove a theft case from your criminal background.

Can a first-time theft charge be reduced?

A first-time offender may be eligible for reduced charges, plea bargains, or alternative sentencing programs, such as diversion or probation. An experienced attorney can review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, and negotiate to minimize penalties. Successfully reducing a charge can prevent a felony conviction and lessen long-term consequences on your record and employment prospects.

How long does it take to expunge a record?

The timeline for expungement depends on the type of offense, court schedules, and whether all eligibility requirements are met. While it can take several months, an attorney can guide you through the paperwork, filings, and hearings to streamline the process. Proper legal guidance increases the likelihood that your record will be successfully sealed or expunged.

What happens if I’m a licensed professional facing a theft charge?

Certain professions, including nursing, real estate, law, and medicine, require reporting criminal charges to the licensing board. An attorney can help you navigate administrative hearings, challenge unnecessary sanctions, and negotiate alternative resolutions to protect your license. Taking proactive legal action is essential to avoid suspension, revocation, or other long-term career consequences.

Can theft or fraud charges affect my immigration status?

Yes, a criminal conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including affecting visas, green cards, or naturalization eligibility. Even minor charges may trigger review by immigration authorities, potentially leading to removal proceedings. Prompt legal representation can help mitigate the impact and explore options to protect your immigration status while addressing the criminal case.

If you’re facing theft or fraud charges in Columbus, you may be unsure of your rights or next steps. With years of experience defending clients across Ohio, Luftman, Heck & Associates is ready to help. Call (614) 500-3836 today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

For over a decade, our Columbus criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. That experience allows us to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

Have questions or need immediate help? Contact the Columbus theft defense lawyers at LHA for a a free case consultation.