Caught Shoplifting in Ohio

[Weber]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio

I was caught shoplifting in Giant Eagle. I have now gotten the court summons. This is my first time dealing with anything like this. I want to get a P.D. when I appear in court.......what is the likelihood of getting this misdemeanor off my record?

[ollie]

It depends if the town you were caught in allows you to plead to a lesser non criminal charge. If the store has you on video shoplifting the chances of them allowing to plead down are greatly diminished...

also my experience has shown that the chances that you qualify for a PD in a shoplifting case are small

[BOR]

It depends if the town you were caught in allows you to plead to a lesser non criminal charge. If the store has you on video shoplifting the chances of them allowing to plead down are greatly diminished

That is governed by state law, not local rules.

also my experience has shown that the chances that you qualify for a PD in a shoplifting case are small

I live in Ohio also, and a shoplifting/theft charge under $500.00 is a Misdemeanor of the 1st degree, over is a felony.

Shoplifting is one crime in ohio, if a misdemeanor, that an officer can arrest without a warrant even if not committed in thier presence, as long as it is within a reasonable time afterwards. Here they chose to issue a citation for whatever reason.

Weber, any crime a Misdemeanor of the 4th degree and above, you are entitled to a PD if you can not afford one, if you intend to plead not guilty.

[ollie]

Every town may or may not have a town ordinance that they will allow defendants to plead to. It's usually up to the prosecutor. But it does happen.

You could be right on the PD thing. I know every state handles that differently.

[BOR]

Every town may or may not have a town ordinance that they will allow defendants to plead to. It's usually up to the prosecutor. But it does happen.

Again, the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure govern that.

You could be right on the PD thing.

I know I am right!

[ollie]

I don't know Ohio so I'll take your word for it but if I was the OP I'd at least ask the question to the courts.