A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.
In Ohio, theft is defined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.02. A person is guilty of theft if they knowingly obtain or exert control over someone else's property without the consent of the owner or beyond the scope of the consent given, with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. The severity of the theft offense in Ohio can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the property stolen and other circumstances surrounding the offense. For example, if the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, it is generally considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. However, if the value exceeds certain thresholds, or if the theft involves a firearm or motor vehicle, it can be classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties. Additionally, theft by deception, threat, or extortion are specific forms of theft that are also punishable under Ohio law, reflecting the principle that taking property without effective consent is unlawful.
