Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Theft from dental office

I saw a dentist in May 2007 about a toothache. My dental insurance was maxed out, and I told the dentists' office I needed to go to the bank for 85.00. I recieved a call from the hospital, my sister had been admitted. Basically, I assumed they would send a bill and it would get paid. The police arrived at my house two weeks ago, and took me in to issue a summons since I had missed a mediation date in early June. (I recieved no letter about this) When I went to court last week, I pled Not Guilty to theft of services. The dentist's office has since been paid, but I have to go back to court on August 14th. Do I need to get a lawyer? I'm a stay home mom, my husband makes a good living, but we can't afford an attorney.


Asked on 7/13/07, 10:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Davies Law Office of David H. Davies

Re: Theft from dental office

The answer to your question is yes, you should have an attorney. Having a theft offense on your record is something that will cause you problems the rest of your life. It should not be taken lightly. Any job or credit application will most likely require that you tell them about any criminal convictions and this would be included. It is a criminal offense.

From the infomation that you provided, it sounds like you should be able to avoid a conviction. Spending money for an attorney may seem unnecessary but trying to do this by yourself could hurt more than trying to be your own dentist!

If you would like to discuss this in more detail, feel free to give me a call.

Good Luck!

DHD

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Answered on 7/15/07, 10:02 am


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