Statute of Limitations for Ohio Theft Crimes
Dayton Theft Crimes Lawyer
The statute of limitations is the amount of time a prosecutor has to file charges against an individual accused of committing an offense. The court may no longer have jurisdiction over a case if the state fails to take legal action before the specified deadline. If it attempts to pursue an individual for a criminal offense outside the statute of limitations, that could result in a dismissal.
Rationale Behind the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations was established to protect individuals from being subject to unfair trials. Every person accused of a crime has constitutional rights that guarantee they can defend themselves against accusations during a fair proceeding. If too much time passes between the commission of an alleged crime and the trial for that offense, the defendant’s evidence could become compromised, which would violate their legal protections.
Statute of Limitations for Theft Charges
Theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, which means the statute of limitations will depend on the level of offense. Under Iowa Revised Code 2901.13, the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor is 2 years. However, for minor misdemeanors the time limit to file charges is 6 months. For a felony, the state cannot prosecute after 6 years from the date it knew of the offense.
The value of the item(s) involved in the crime determines the charges. Generally, if the object is stolen was worth less than $1,000, the offense is considered petty theft and is a misdemeanor. A person could be accused of a felony if they took an item valued at $1,000 or more.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Rion, Rion & Rion Today
Being convicted of a theft crime could have serious repercussions, affecting your ability to get a job, housing, or even some government benefits such as student aid. Our lawyers are here to provide the legal representation you need to fight charges and minimize the effects of a conviction on your life. We have over 80 years of combined experience and an extensive understanding of the law. We will fight hard to ensure your rights are protected.
Get aggressive and effective legal counsel on your side by calling us at (937) 223-9133 or contacting us online.