Did you know that theft of property above $500 in value in Kentucky is a felony punishable by a fine of up to twice the value of the goods or $10,000, whichever is higher, and a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years? This Class D Felony Charge also applies to the theft of any firearm in Kentucky or controlled substances valued at less than $10,000.
Theft by unlawful taking or disposition is the most common crime charged in the State of Kentucky. The severity of the charges one may face is usually directly related to the value of the allegedly stolen goods. My name is John Schmidt, and after more than 25 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney based in Shepherdsville, I can tell you it will be important to have an attorney if you are charged with any felony theft offense in the State of Kentucky.
Theft of property above $500 in value is as simple as taking a cell phone without permission. There is a lot I can do to protect your interests, money, and freedom now and in the years to come.
The prosecution and the Judge in your case will consider several factors when it comes to the charges you will face. The first question is usually the value of the allegedly stolen goods, as jail terms and fines here in Kentucky are based upon the value of the goods in question. From that point, the “who, what, when, where, and why” of your specific circumstances are really going to matter. Who was the alleged victim of the crime, and what was allegedly taken? Has the property in question been returned, or restitution been made? The when and where of the crime will have to be proven to obtain a conviction, but the “why” may be one of the most important questions in your case.
Trying to put food on the table for your kids, drug addiction, and other factors will be considered as well. In some instances, Kentucky offers the potential for a pre-trial diversion program, or if this is your first offense, and the value of the property in question falls within reasonable limits.
If you have been accused of theft of property above $500 in value in Kentucky, there is a lot I can do as your attorney to reduce the charges and consequences you may ultimately face, or seek the outright dismissal of the charges against you. The U.S. Department of Justice recently released national statistics that showed those who attempted to represent themselves (without an attorney) were not only much more likely to receive jail sentences, but the term of the incarceration was much higher as well.
Theft offense convictions can mount up over time to increase consequences down the road. Future employers will often reject applications from those convicted of any theft offense. You need the advice and aggressive criminal defense of the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the advice and aggressive criminal defense you need and deserve. At the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates we bring more than 25 years of experience to your side of the equation, manage the situation you face and the allegations against you, and work hard to achieve a much better outcome in your case than you can or will accomplish on your own.
