Theft

Theft Under Kentucky Law

According to Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 514.030, a person commits theft when they unlawfully:

• Take or exercise control over another person’s movable property, with the intent to deprive the person of their property
• Obtain another person’s immovable property, with the intent to benefit someone else who isn’t entitled to the property

Examples of Theft

Here are some theft offenses recognized under Kentucky law:

• Theft by Deception
• Theft of Services (utilities, wireless services, etc.)
• Grand Larceny
• Theft of Lost Property (or property delivered by mistake)
• Shoplifting
• Theft of Labor
• Theft by Extortion (threats or coercion)
• Embezzlement
• Receiving Stolen Property

Classification of Theft Charges & Possible Penalties

Under Kentucky law, theft offenses are classified by the value of the property or services stolen and the type of property stolen. Here are the different classification of theft charges in Kentucky and the possible penalties:

Class A Misdemeanor

A theft offense is charged as a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $500.

Penalties: Punishable by a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Class D Felony

A theft offense is charged as a Class D felony if the defendant steals:

• Property valued between $500 and $10,000
• A controlled substance or drugs valued under $10,000
• Anhydrous ammonia of any value
• A firearm of any value

Penalties: Punishable by up to five years in prison.

Class C Felony

A theft offense is charged as a Class C felony if the value of property stolen is between $10,000 and $1,000,000.

Penalties: Punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

Class B Felony

A theft offense is charged as a Class C felony if the value of property stolen is worth more than $1,000,000. Stealing anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine is also considered a Class B felony.

Penalties: Punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.

Class A Felony

A theft offense is charged as a Class A felony for a second or subsequent conviction for stealing anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

Penalties: Punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison.

Work with an Experienced Attorney

Defending yourself against theft allegations without experienced representation could easily expose you to the risks of suffering severe punishment. Likewise, the outcome of your case can have a devastating effect on your reputation, liberty, or personal and professional future. When facing theft charges, hiring a highly skilled criminal defense attorney is paramount to protect your rights and strategize your defense.

At the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates, we work to help individuals with theft cases and defending clients wrongfully accused of larceny. As your legal counsel, we can investigate all the facts of your case and outline an effective defense strategy in pursuit of a favorable outcome for your situation. Using our extensive experience and legal understanding, we can help you navigate the Kentucky criminal justice system, protect your freedom, and help you fight for a satisfying result.

THEFT ATTORNEY SERVING SHEPHERDSVILLE, KENTUCKY

If you’re facing theft allegations, don’t do it alone. Call us at the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates PLLC to schedule a consultation. Our team can offer you the comprehensive legal counsel, advocacy, and strong representation you need. We’re proud to serve clients across Shepherdsville, Louisville, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown, and Mount Washington, Kentucky. Contact us today to discuss your case.