Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Revenge

I think i'm in trouble. I've got a couple credit cards in someone elses names for $50. I used them and so did my boyfriend. now i want to break up with him and he's threatening to call my job and call the police, like he didnt help. I have a VERY good job and have a clean record. He has a lengthy record of drug convictions. I just don't want to lose my job. I know if it does go down, i can make payments if i still have my job, but what about him, he claims they wont be able to find him. I have been living with his verbal and somewhat physical abuse(flicking ashes on me, dumping the ashtray on me, spitting on me, etc.)for a few months now, but i am soooo ready to get rid of him, but i'm scared, not of him, but of his revenge. what can i do. i tell him that he used the cards too but he says they'll never find him. what should i do? please help me, i cant take him anymore and i don't want to go to jail, i cant go to jail, i have children and a VERY GOOD JOB, and a house? can he report this or does the victims have to report it? I need help before someone gets hurt.


Asked on 8/11/06, 3:01 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Revenge

You are smart to be concerned about this situation. There are several things you should know:

(1) Anyone can report a crime, not just the victims.

(2) Even though he doesn't own any property, he is just a much involved in this crime as you are.

(3) Because you do have a job, children, and a home, it sounds like you have a lot more to lose than he does if you get charged with a crime.

Are you ready to address the consequences of your criminal conduct? If you are, then you could hire an attorney, have that attorney go to the police, and attempt to negotiate a favorable resolution of this situation on your behalf. By "favorable resolution" I do not mean to imply that you would get off scott free. I merely mean some resolution that would be better for you than if you wait until the police find out on their own or until your abusive boy-friend tells the police about you.

If you are ready to address the issues, then I would strongly recommend that you first hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Using someone else's credit card is a felony offense and could land you in prison. Do not attempt to resolve this on your own.

I do wish you the best of luck.

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Answered on 8/11/06, 3:10 pm
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Revenge

Sounds like you have not done anything that wrong at this point. $50 is replaceable. Maybe you should have a lawyer help you contact the victims and pay them immediately. This might avoid the police becomming involved. You need to be careful, but if you come clean it should avoid any criminal convictions. If you wait = felony possibilities. Obviously, this person has no concern for you whatsoever, and will continue to hurt you.

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Answered on 8/13/06, 10:53 am


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