State v. Rhodes

The issue in this cause is whether the state in its prosecution of the defendant for the crime of theft of a motor vehicle in violation of R.C. 2913.02 was required to prove ownership of the vehicle in question by introduction into evidence of a certificate of title.

Appellant contends that in a prosecution for theft of a motor vehicle, R.C. 4505.04 provides the exclusive method by which ownership of that vehicle may be proved. We disagree.

In pertinent part R.C. 4505.04 provides:

“No court in any case at law or in equity shall recognize the right, title, claim, or interest of any person in or…