Grand Theft Attorney In Troy

Serious Theft Charges Need Strong Local Defense

Being accused of grand theft in Ohio can change your life in a single day. You may be worried about jail, a permanent record, and how to protect your job and family. If you are facing a felony theft charge in Troy or elsewhere in Miami County, our team is here to guide you through what comes next. At Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., we focus on defending people and families during some of the hardest moments they will ever face. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to the table, including backgrounds as former prosecutors and former public defenders. We use that perspective to evaluate the accusations against you, explain your options, and work to protect your future.

You do not have to try to navigate a grand theft case alone. We invite you to contact our Troy office to talk about your situation and your next steps. You can reach our criminal defense team at (937) 400-3170 to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Our Theft Defense Team

When you are dealing with a grand theft charge, the lawyer you choose matters. You need a defense team that understands both Ohio theft laws and how cases actually move through the courts in Troy. Our attorneys have handled a wide range of criminal matters, and we bring that depth of experience to every theft case we accept.

Our team includes former prosecutors and former public defenders. This background gives us insight into how the state may try to build a case against you and where weaknesses or negotiation opportunities might exist. We draw on this experience when we review police reports, evidence, and witness statements, and when we talk with you about possible paths forward. Clients also turn to us because we are firmly rooted in the community. Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. has been repeatedly voted the best law firm in Troy since 2010, and we hold an AV peer review rating. These recognitions reflect how other lawyers and residents view our commitment to ethics and legal ability. For someone facing a serious theft accusation, outside validation can help provide peace of mind.

At the same time, we work to keep the personal feel of a hometown practice. We know that criminal charges affect more than court dates. They affect families, jobs, and daily life. Our attorneys strive to be responsive, to return calls, and to keep you updated as your case moves forward. When needed, we can arrange visits in your home, at the hospital, or at the Miami County Jail so that legal help remains accessible even if you cannot come to our office.

Understanding Grand Theft Charges In Ohio

Understanding what you are actually charged with can ease some of the fear you may be feeling. In Ohio, theft offenses are divided by the value of the property or services involved and by the circumstances of the alleged conduct. When the value reaches certain levels, or when specific types of property are involved, a theft can be charged as a felony level offense that people often call grand theft.

Generally, lower value thefts are charged as misdemeanors, while higher value allegations can lead to felony charges that carry much more severe penalties. Felony theft cases can involve potential prison time, substantial fines, and lengthy periods of community control. Even when a person avoids incarceration, a felony conviction on a record can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing for many years.

Many felony theft charges in our area are handled in the Miami County Common Pleas Court in Troy. If the case begins in the Miami County Municipal Court, it may later be bound over to the Common Pleas Court, depending on the level of the charge. The process generally includes an arraignment, pretrial hearings, motion practice, and either a plea or a trial. The exact path your case takes depends on the facts, your history, the prosecutor’s approach, and the decisions you and your lawyer make together. Every grand theft case has its own details. Some involve disputes about the value of property. Others turn on questions about ownership, permission, or intent. As your legal team, we work to understand the full picture and to explain how Ohio law may apply. Our goal is to help you make informed choices at each stage, with a clear understanding that outcomes can never be guaranteed.

What To Do After A Grand Theft Arrest

The hours and days after a grand theft arrest are often confusing and stressful. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and give your attorney a better foundation for defending you. If you or a loved one is in custody in the Miami County Jail or has been ordered to appear in court here in Troy, you may feel rushed to decide what to do.

It is important to be cautious about what you say and to whom you say it. Law enforcement officers, store loss prevention staff, and alleged victims may all want to ask questions or get written statements. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later. Politely asking for a lawyer and waiting to discuss the facts of the case until you have legal counsel present is often the safest approach.

Court paperwork may arrive quickly. Pay close attention to hearing notices from the Miami County Municipal Court or Miami County Common Pleas Court and be sure to appear on time. Missing a court date can lead to additional problems, including warrants and bond issues. Keep all documents, charging papers, and any paperwork from the police or court system in one place so that you can bring them to your first meeting with a lawyer.

It can also help to write down what you remember, including times, locations, and names of people who were present. Small details may become important later. When you contact our office, we will talk through what has happened so far, review your documents, and discuss upcoming deadlines. If you or a family member cannot come to us because of a medical condition or because you are being held, we can work with you to arrange a visit, consistent with facility rules.

Here are practical steps to take right away:

• Ask for an attorney before answering detailed questions about the incident.
• Keep all court and police paperwork together and bring it to your lawyer.
• Do not contact the alleged victim or witnesses about the case on your own.
• Write down your recollection of events while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Call our criminal defense team promptly so we can review your situation.

How A Local Grand Theft Lawyer Helps

Working with a local defense team can make a real difference in how you experience a grand theft case. Our attorneys appear regularly in the Miami County Common Pleas Court and Miami County Municipal Court in Troy. We are familiar with the procedures those courts use, and we understand how local prosecutors typically approach different kinds of theft allegations.

As a grand theft lawyer Troy residents rely on, we start by carefully reviewing the charges, the police reports, and any available evidence. We look at how the value of the property was calculated, what statements were taken, and whether there may be gaps in proof about ownership, intent, or identity. We also pay attention to how the investigation was conducted and whether your constitutional rights were respected during questioning or searches.

Once we have a clearer picture of the case, we talk through options with you. In some situations, it may be appropriate to file motions related to evidence. In others, the best course may involve discussions with the prosecutor about possible reductions or other resolutions, depending on the circumstances and your goals. Throughout this process, we strive to give you honest feedback instead of false promises.

Communication is central to how we work. We take time to explain what is happening, what the next hearing is about, and what choices you may need to make. We understand that your case is not only about legal arguments in a courtroom. It is also about your record, your employment, and your relationships. Our attorneys remain available to answer questions and to keep you involved in strategy decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for grand theft in Ohio?

A grand theft conviction can carry possible jail or prison time, but the outcome depends on the charge level, your record, and the facts. Courts look at many factors before sentencing. We assess your situation and explain realistic ranges, then work to pursue options that may limit incarceration when possible.

How will a grand theft conviction affect my job?

A felony theft conviction often appears on background checks and can affect current and future employment. Some employers have strict policies about theft offenses. We focus on how the case may impact your work life and explore legal options that may help reduce long term harm when circumstances allow.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?

It is usually best to speak with a lawyer as soon as you learn about an investigation or after any arrest. Early advice can affect what you say, your bond, and how deadlines are handled. Our attorneys in Troy work to respond quickly and can meet in jail or other locations when needed.

What will your attorneys do at my first meeting?

At an initial meeting, we typically review your paperwork, listen to your account, and ask questions about your background and goals. We explain the charges and the court process in plain language. You will have the chance to ask your own questions so you understand how we can help moving forward.

Can your team visit me in jail in Troy?

Yes, our attorneys can arrange to meet with clients who are being held in the Miami County Jail, subject to facility rules and scheduling. We also offer home and hospital visits when appropriate. Our goal is to make legal help accessible, even when you or your family member cannot travel to our office.

Talk With Our Criminal Defense Team

A grand theft charge in Troy brings real risks for your freedom, your record, and your reputation. You do not have to face those risks on your own. Working with an experienced defense team early in the process can help you understand your options and avoid missteps that might be hard to undo later.

At Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., we combine more than a century of legal experience with the personal attention of a hometown firm. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and public defenders, and our work has been recognized by our peers and by the Troy community. When you contact us, we will review your situation, explain the process, and discuss how we can help you move forward.

If you or a family member is dealing with a grand theft charge, we encourage you to reach out today to talk about your case. Call (937) 400-3170 to speak with our criminal defense team about your situation.