Ohio law criminalizes theft in a myriad of ways depending upon (a) the amount of the theft; (b) who the victim is; (c) what was stolen; (d) how the theft was committed; and (e) whether or not the proceeds of the theft were used to fund additional illegal activity.

Ohio Revised Code 2913.02 (R.C. 2913.02) is the primary theft code section.  If the value of the theft is less than $500, the offense will be charged simply as a misdemeanor.  However, if the value  of the theft exceeds $500 it will be indicted as a felony. 

The amount of the value determines the level of the felony as follows:

$500 - $4,999 (F5)

$5,000 - $99,999 (F4)

$100,000 - $499,999 (F3)

$500,000 - $999,999 (F2)

$1,000,000 or more (F1)

However, theft from an elderly person or disabled adult under current Ohio law is always a felony and elevates the degree of offense based upon reduced values of the theft as follows:

less than $500 (F5)

$500 - $4,999 (F4)

$5,000 - $24,999 (F3)

$25,000 - $99,999 (F2)

$100,000 or more (F1)

Ohio law also criminalizes theft of drugs more strictly, especially if the offender has a prior drug abuse conviction. The former is an F4 and the latter is an F3.  Theft of anhydrous ammonia is specifically singled out under Ohio's theft statute in R.C. 2913.02 because this gas is a very hazardous compound that is a precursor for methamphetamine. It is commonly found on rural farms in Ohio and across America.  Theft of it is an F3 which carries 1 - 5 years in prison.

In the past, we have enjoyed significant reduction in charges and sentencing for our clients charged and indicted under R.C. 2913.02.  To inquire about representation for you or someone you know, call 614.481.4480 or e-mail our Managing Partner, Brad Koffel, at brad.koffel@kjlaws.com .