R.C. 2913.02 makes it theft to knowingly obtain or exert control over property or services without consent, beyond consent, by deception, by threat, or by intimidation. The degree is set by value: under $1,000 is petty theft (a first-degree misdemeanor), and it climbs through the felony levels as the value rises. Theft of certain items (a firearm, a motor vehicle, a police dog) is a felony regardless of value, and theft from an elderly or disabled victim carries enhancements.
Because intent and value drive everything, theft cases turn on whether the State can prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner and whether the claimed value holds up. Many alleged “thefts” are actually disputes over consent, ownership, or a civil debt.
How Ohio Classifies & Punishes Theft
| Circumstance | Classification | Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Value less than $1,000 (petty theft) | Misdemeanor 1 | Up to 180 days; up to $1,000 |
| $1,000 to less than $7,500 (theft) | Felony 5 | 6–12 months prison |
| $7,500 to less than $150,000 (grand theft) | Felony 4 | 6–18 months prison |
| $150,000 to less than $750,000 | Felony 3 | 9–36 months prison |
| $750,000 to less than $1.5M (aggravated theft) | Felony 2 | 2–8 years prison |
| $1.5M or more | Felony 1 | 3–11 years prison |
Theft from an elderly or disabled adult raises the degree and adds restitution exposure. Theft of a firearm or motor vehicle is a felony regardless of value.
How We Defend Theft Charges
An arrest is an accusation, not a verdict. Our defense of a theft charge begins with the questions the State would rather not answer:
- Whether the State can actually prove the required mental state (knowingly, purposely, recklessly) beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Whether the alleged value is accurate — value can move the case across the misdemeanor/felony line.
- Whether the matter is actually a civil dispute over ownership, consent, or a debt.
- Whether the identification of you as the person responsible is reliable.
- Whether a diversion program or restitution-based resolution can avoid a conviction.
We bring that same disciplined approach — testing every procedure, every protocol, and every piece of the State’s evidence — to theft cases across our nine-county Southern Ohio footprint. Where the evidence supports it, we negotiate for reduction or dismissal; where it does not, we are prepared to try the case.
Theft — Common Questions
At what dollar amount does theft become a felony in Ohio?
Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony (fifth degree), and the degree climbs from there. Under $1,000 is petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor. Because the threshold is exact, disputing the claimed value is often the most important defense move.
Can a first-time theft charge be kept off my record?
Often yes. Many courts offer diversion or treatment-in-lieu programs for first-time, lower-value theft cases that result in dismissal after restitution and conditions. We pursue those whenever a client qualifies.
What if I thought the property was mine?
Theft requires knowingly taking property of another without consent. A genuine, good-faith belief that you owned the property or had permission negates the intent element — turning a criminal case into, at most, a civil dispute.
Talk to a Theft & Property Crimes Defense Attorney Today
If you or someone you love is facing a theft charge in Lawrence, Scioto, Jackson, Gallia, Athens, Adams, Meigs, Pike, or Ross County, call (740) 532-8744 for a free, confidential consultation. We have offices in Ironton and Chesapeake and respond the same business day in most cases.