SPECIFIC ILLEGAL OFFENSES – PAGE 2

Drug Offenses, Firearm and Weapons Offenses, Sexual Offenses

Theft and Shoplifting Offenses, Fleeing or Eluding a Police Officer, Domestic Violence

THEFT AND SHOPLIFTING OFFENSES

Shoplifting as a first-time offense is generally charged as a petty theft, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree punishable by up to six (6) months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A theft offense in which the dollar value of the stolen item is over $500 may be charged as a felony resulting in imprisonment. If you are accused of shoplifting you should consider consulting an attorney.

FLEEING OR ELUDING A POLICE OFFICER

Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is a crime in all states. As the operator of a vehicle you are obliged to pull your vehicle to the side of the road at the first safe opportunity if requested by a police officer or a signal to do so by an officer to do so in a police vehicle. In Ohio, failure to do so can be charged as a felony and can result in imprisonment of up to five years. A court can also revoke your driver’s license. The crime of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer also applies if you pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and then drive off without permission from the police officer. It’s a good idea to always ask the police officer if you are free to go. If the police have probable cause to suspect you of a crime they’re empowered to use all reasonable force to detain you. If you use force or violence to prevent the police from detaining you or to prevent the police from conducting a legal search, you could be found guilty of the separate crime of resisting arrest, which may be charged as a felony if it rises to the level of assault on a peace officer. If the police officer suspects you of an alcohol or drug related offense, he or she may refuse to allow you to drive your vehicle. Whether you’re in a vehicle or not, fleeing or attempting to elude the police is a serious offense with possible serious consequences. If you’ve been accused of this crime, you should contact an attorney.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In Ohio domestic violence is defined as attempting or causing physical harm to a family or household member. In Ohio a victim of domestic violence can obtain a temporary restraining order instructing the abuser either to cease the abusive behavior, to leave the home, or to stay away from the victim entirely. Failure to abide by a restraining order can lead to an arrest for violating a temporary restraining order. Domestic violence as a first offense is a misdemeanor in Ohio. A case of domestic violence or violating a protection order filed against a person with a prior conviction is a felony in Ohio. Thus hiring a lawyer to help avoid the first offense is critical.