Theft of Livestock

[mama24]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio

I stole livestock (rabbit), approximately $50-$100 in value depending on how this specific animal matures. I admit it, it is my first time doing something so stupid, i am 26 years old, mother of 4, i really don't know why even. It was from a woman I had been buying specimins from for my breeding program. I returned the rabbit, but didn't come clean on the theft until i was caught on camera, but the rabbit was returned by then. She lives a fair ways south, and has filed a police report. I just want to know what happens now. I have offered to pay for the rabbit ($100), or to return the other animals that i bought fair and square, for no refund. I'm terrified of what will happen to me and my family now. Please let me know what to expect.

[llworking]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio

I stole livestock (rabbit), approximately $50-$100 in value depending on how this specific animal matures. I admit it, it is my first time doing something so stupid, i am 26 years old, mother of 4, i really don't know why even. It was from a woman I had been buying specimins from for my breeding program. I returned the rabbit, but didn't come clean on the theft until i was caught on camera, but the rabbit was returned by then. She lives a fair ways south, and has filed a police report. I just want to know what happens now. I have offered to pay for the rabbit ($100), or to return the other animals that i bought fair and square, for no refund. I'm terrified of what will happen to me and my family now. Please let me know what to expect.

Did you actually get all of the way off her property with the rabbit?

[mama24]

yes, i did. I'm hoping to know what to expect. Will the police ignore it since the animal was returned? Will i do jail time, a fee? If i work out restitution with her, will the state/city still pursue charges? I'm just really scared of what is coming.

[llworking]

yes, i did. I'm hoping to know what to expect. Will the police ignore it since the animal was returned? Will i do jail time, a fee? If i work out restitution with her, will the state/city still pursue charges? I'm just really scared of what is coming.

There is no restitution to work out because she got the animal back. I cannot predict what will happen, you will just have to wait and see.

[mama24]

can charges still be pressed with the animal returned? I'm guessing yes.

[free9man]

Yes, they can.

[DeputyDog]

I'm in Ohio.

The answer is going to depend on what county you are in and what the climate is there. I'm guessing you must be in a pretty rural county, but even Summit and Franklin counties, for example, have some farms and rural areas. In counties like those, I'd bet money that no charges will be filed since she got the animal back. One of these real backwoods counties where they actually take kids to DH for underage possession of cigarettes? They might charge you.

Whatever the outcome, LEARN FROM THIS and never do something so dumb again.

[mama24]

I'm in western ohio, Champaign county. i'm hoping that the county has bigger things to do. Not that i'll ever be doing something this stupid again. I've never even stolen gum before, I have no idea what got into me, honestly. I'm so freaked out that I'm going to go to jail over a $100 animal, so dumb. Not dumb that she filed charges, I just mean dumb that i risked all of this for such a small amount.

- - - Updated - - -

The woman's husband called me, and said he is going to call the sheriff and drop the charges, only because I have 4 children and doesn't want them to grow up with a mom in prison. He said his dad talked to him about the breaks he's been given in life, and wants to offer it to me, but should i ever show up near his property again, He's going to press full charges. I guess i got off easy, but i still feel so terrible, i've lost friends, reputation, and all over something so dumb. Is there any chance the sherrif will press charges even after he calls to ask the charges be dropped? I really think i need to examine my own heart, and maybe even go to counseling to see why I did something so very stupid.

[Who'sThatGuy]

The odds of the DA filing charges are slim to none. The State would show to court with no victim, witness or evidence, it's almost impossible to win a case without those three things.