Bowling Green Theft Crimes Attorney

Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyer for Larceny Cases

Have you been arrested for a theft crime in Kentucky? If so, it is important that you retain trusted representation as soon as possible. With the guidance of Smith & Wilcutt, LLC, you may be able to obtain a favorable outcome for your case. We have over 25 years of experience handling a variety of criminal cases and we encourage potential clients to seek our counsel as soon as possible.

When prosecutors assess your charges, there are a few things that they may take into consideration when determining potential penalties against you. In order to fully protect yourself and your future, you need to work with an experienced, trusted and honest representative - you need to work with a criminal defense lawyer from our firm.

You can rely on us to defend you if you've been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony theft crime. When you retain our services, we will review your case thoroughly and listen to your side of the story. After giving these factors proper consideration, our talented team can build an effective legal strategy on your behalf to help secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Speak with a trusted Kentucky Theft Crimes Attorney today. Call us now at (270) 972-4068 to schedule your free legal consultation or contact us online for expert guidance on your case.

Types of Theft Crimes in Kentucky

Theft crimes can vary in severity, and Kentucky law classifies them based on the value of the stolen property, the type of property taken, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. Below are some of the most common theft crimes in Kentucky:

Petty Theft

Petty theft is a crime that involves the unlawful taking of property with a value of less than $500. This type of theft is usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500. Common examples include shoplifting small items from stores or taking personal property from a friend or family member.

Grand Theft 

Grand theft involves the unlawful taking of property with a value greater than $500. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property involved. Grand theft can be charged as a Class D felony (for property worth $500-$10,000) or a Class C felony (for property worth $10,000 or more). A conviction for grand theft may lead to several years of imprisonment, depending on the value of the stolen property, as well as restitution to the victim.

Burglary

Burglary occurs when an individual unlawfully enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other criminal acts. Kentucky law distinguishes between degrees of burglary, based on whether the building is a dwelling or another type of property, and whether the individual is armed or uses force.

• Burglary in the First Degree: This involves unlawfully entering a dwelling (such as a house) with the intent to commit theft or another crime, and it is considered a Class B felony. A conviction can result in 10 to 20 years in prison.
• Burglary in the Second Degree: This occurs when a person unlawfully enters a building or structure (but not a dwelling) with the intent to commit a crime, and it is classified as a Class C felony, which carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison.

Robbery

Robbery is a more serious theft crime that involves using force or threats of violence to steal property. Kentucky law defines robbery in different degrees based on the use of force and the degree of harm caused to the victim:

• Robbery in the First Degree: This involves the use of a weapon or causing serious physical injury to the victim during the commission of the theft. It is classified as a Class B felony, which can lead to 10 to 20 years in prison.
• Robbery in the Second Degree: This occurs when force is used, but no weapon is involved, and it is typically classified as a Class C felony, which carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison.

Auto Theft

Auto theft involves unlawfully taking a motor vehicle with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of its possession. Auto theft can result in a Class D felony charge, which carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison. If the vehicle is taken with the intent to sell it or if there is an element of violence involved, the charge may be elevated to a more serious felony.

Defenses Against Theft Charges

One possible defense against theft charges is that the accused individual did not understand or know that the stolen goods belonged to someone else. This would apply to situations where individuals receive stolen goods from someone else without knowing they were acquired illegally.

In other situations, the accused was actually given consent to take the property and is now being wrongfully accused of theft. And lastly, there is the simple possibility of being wrongfully identified as a suspect. There are some cases, of course, of wrongful identification of a suspect.

Anyone charged with a theft-related offense in the state of Kentucky could encounter stiff sentences running from repayment of refund and other fines up to what could amount to prolonged periods of imprisonment.

There are many different phases of theft or robbery. Each criminal charge holds specific punishments, legal considerations, and sentencing procedures defined by the state Penal Code.

Regardless of what type of theft crimes may be pending against you or your loved one, it is crucial to secure a qualified Bowling Green theft crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible. Forgetting to get adequate legal representation could jeopardize your chances of securing a favorable result in your case.

Trusted Legal Representation After an Arrest

In the event that you were arrested and charged with a criminal offense, it is important that you immediately retain the guidance of Smith & Wilcutt, LLC. At our firm, we have an in-depth understanding of the various laws in Kentucky as they apply to theft cases and we can use our experience and knowledge to your advantage. 

If you were charged with shoplifting, petty theft or grand theft, Smith & Wilcutt, LLC can help. Even if there were aggravating factors and you were charged with robbery, burglary or a theft crime that involved a deadly weapon, our team can zealously protect your rights and defend your freedoms.