Ohio Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Ohio online theft class, it's important to know your Ohio theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Ohio theft and shoplifting laws shown on this page are to help you to understand your local Ohio theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the most up-to-date version of Ohio theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from a lawyer. We suggest that you find an appropriate lawyer for more information about Ohio theft laws.

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6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

Ohio Theft Laws Explained

Theft (§2913.02):

In Ohio, theft occurs when a person, with the intent to deprive the owner of their property or services, knowingly takes control over the property or services through any of the following means: 1. Without the owner’s consent or without consent from someone authorized to give consent. 2. By exceeding the consent given by the owner or authorized person. 3. Through deception. 4. By making threats. 5. Through intimidation.

If someone commits any of these acts, they are guilty of theft. Depending on the value of the stolen property or services, and the specific circumstances, the severity of the offense ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• Petty Theft: If the value of the property or services stolen is less than $500, it is classified as petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Felony Theft: If the stolen property is valued at $500 or more but less than $5,000, or if it is a special item listed in §2913.71 (such as a credit card), the crime is a fifth-degree felony. For property valued between $5,000 and $100,000, it is classified as grand theft, a fourth-degree felony. For property valued between $100,000 and $500,000, it is aggravated theft, a third-degree felony. If the value exceeds $500,000 but is less than $1 million, it becomes a second-degree felony, and theft of property over $1 million is a first-degree felony.

Special Victims (Elderly or Disabled):

If the victim is an elderly person or a disabled adult, theft offenses carry higher penalties. For example, theft from an elderly or disabled person is at least a fifth-degree felony, with increased penalties depending on the value of the stolen property or services.

Special Types of Theft:

• Theft of Firearms or Dangerous Ordnance: Grand theft involving firearms or dangerous weapons is a third-degree felony, with a presumption of a prison sentence. If the weapon was stolen from a federally licensed firearms dealer, the crime is a first-degree felony.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: Stealing a motor vehicle is grand theft, classified as a fourth-degree felony.
• Theft of Drugs: Stealing dangerous drugs is a fourth-degree felony, but if the offender has prior drug-related felonies, it escalates to a third-degree felony.
• Theft of a Police or Assistance Animal: Stealing a police dog, horse, or assistance dog is a third-degree felony.
• Theft of Anhydrous Ammonia: Stealing anhydrous ammonia, often used in illegal drug manufacturing, is also a third-degree felony.

Gas Theft and Rented Property Theft:

If someone steals gas by driving away from a gas station without paying, the court may suspend the offender's driver’s license. In cases where rented property or services are stolen, restitution may include paying for repairs or replacement of the rented items and any loss of income suffered by the rental company.

Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (§2913.03):

It is illegal to use or operate a motor vehicle or other motor-propelled vehicle without the owner’s consent. If someone takes a vehicle out of state or keeps it for more than 48 hours without permission, it is considered a more serious offense.

• A basic violation of unauthorized use is a first-degree misdemeanor.
• If the vehicle is taken for more than 48 hours or removed from Ohio, it becomes a fifth-degree felony.
• If the victim is an elderly or disabled person, the offense increases in severity based on the value of the loss, ranging from a fifth-degree felony to a second-degree felony.

Unauthorized Use of Property (§2913.04):

Knowingly using someone else’s property without permission is illegal. This includes accessing computers, telecommunication devices, or cable services without authorization.

• A basic violation of unauthorized use is a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
• If the unauthorized use is part of a scheme to defraud or steal services valued at $500 or more, the offense becomes a first-degree misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount stolen or defrauded.

Possession or Sale of Unauthorized Cable Devices (§2913.041):

It is illegal to possess or sell devices designed to access cable television services without authorization.

• Possession of such a device is a fifth-degree felony.
• Selling or distributing these devices is a fourth-degree felony.

Theft of Specific Property (§2913.71):

Regardless of the value, theft of certain items, including credit cards, vehicle license plates, blank checks, and certificates of title, is automatically a fifth-degree felony under Ohio law.

Intent to Commit Theft of Rented Property (§2913.72):

If a person rents property under false identification or fails to return the rented items after receiving a demand from the rental company, this is considered evidence of intent to commit theft.

Ohio law defines theft-related crimes in a broad range, from petty theft to aggravated theft, based on the value of the stolen property or services and any aggravating factors such as the victim’s age, disability, or the nature of the items stolen. Penalties vary from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, with increasing severity based on these factors.

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