OHIO THEFT

Akron, OH Theft/Shoplifting Lawyer
Ohio Theft/Shoplifting Attorney

Theft charges can be serious depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation. In some cases, a first offense of shoplifting can be reduced to an infraction thus eliminating any criminal record. A second theft/shoplifting offense is a much more serious matter because of the consequences. A second offense can be charged as Felony Petty Theft (also called petty theft with a prior) and is punishable by a year in county jail or even 16 months in state prison.

What is Theft?

Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Theft may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony having serious consequences, including jail, prison, fines and restitution to the victim.

Examples of Theft Crimes

• Auto Theft
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Fraud
• Grand Theft
• Identity Theft
• Larceny
• Petty Theft/Shoplifting
• Robbery
• Receiving Stolen Property

Consequences of Theft Charges

The consequences of any theft charge include fines, restitution, counseling, probation, jail and in some case prison. The consequences will depend on the value of the property taken as well as the prior record of the accused.

Akron Larceny Lawyer

In order to commit Larceny a person has to take and carry away the "tangible personal property of another by trespass with intent to permanently (or for an unreasonable time) deprive the person of his interest in the property." In other words, Larceny must involve another person's personal property, and that property must be capable of being possessed and carried away. Thus, real estate, services and other intangible "properties" cannot be objects of larceny.

If you have been arrested for Larceny, please contact our office right away. We are very experienced at handling Larceny cases and we will aggressively fight to reach a favorable outcome.

Ohio Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is a criminal offense that involves entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property. In other words, if a person illegally breaks into someone else's property with a plan or intention of stealing something from that property, you can be arrested for burglary. The seriousness of the crime can depend on a variety of factors, such as when and where the crime occurred, whether or not people were present when the crime was committed, and the use (or non-use) of a weapon.

Edward C. Weber has handled many burglary cases. We understand the "ins and outs" of the criminal legal system and will aggressively represent you in your burglary case to get you a favorable outcome.

Embezzlement Attorney

Embezzlement is a serious theft crime that is carried out by employees who are familiar with the business and exploit that knowledge for illegal gain. By definition, embezzlement is the "illegal transfer of money or property for personal use." The significant difference between embezzlement and other kinds of theft is that embezzled property is legally possessed or accessed by the person doing the embezzling.

Charges of embezzlement can carry consequences regardless of the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This is due to the fact that accusations of embezzlement are embarrassing, and can often carry a lasting social stigma. Embezzlement charges can be filed for virtually any amount of money, no matter how small.

It is important to retain an attorney with experience in embezzlement cases in order to get an ideal result. There is no doubt that an attorney who is not as familiar with the nuances of embezzlement law may miss an important opportunity for dropped or reduced charges, or even acquittal.

If you have been arrested for embezzlement, please call Edward C. Weber. He understands the nuances of this crime and can offer immediate help.

Protect Your Constitutional Rights

Always remember that you have constitutional rights that need to be protected. If you have been arrested for theft, burglary, shoplifting, or another theft-related crime, please keep these seven points in mind:

• You have the undeniable right to have your attorney present with you at every stage of the proceedings.
   
• You have the undeniable right to a public trial by an impartial jury.
   
• You have the undeniable right to remain silent before and during trial. No one can force you to testify against yourself.
   
• You have the undeniable right at trial to hear and question all witnesses who testify against you.
   
• You have the undeniable right at trial to have witnesses testify on your behalf.
   
• You have the undeniable right to appeal a determination of guilt after a trial has concluded.
   
• You are presumed innocent until a criminal charge is proven "beyond a reasonable doubt" or you enter a plea of guilty.
   

Accused of a Theft Crime?

If you are charged with a theft crime you must speak to an experienced attorney so that he can properly evaluate your case. The attorney will discuss your rights and possible defenses. Developing a defense strategy early on in the case is an important step prior to discussing settlement or going to trial.

Edward C. Weber has successfully represented many people charged with theft crimes. He has been able to achieve some excellent results for his clients in cases that at first did not appear defensible. IF YOU ARE BEING CHARGED WITH A THEFT CHARGE CONTACT MY OFFICE TODAY.