Types Of Theft Crimes And Property Offenses
At Aldridge & Birdwhistell Law Firm, PSC, we provide sound advice and effective representation to those accused of property-related crimes in Hardin County. We help you achieve the best outcome when you have been accused of shoplifting, burglary or another Kentucky theft offense.
There are a wide variety of theft crimes in Kentucky law, ranging from Class A misdemeanors to Class B felonies. Some crimes may involve taking by physical force, while others involve taking through deception such as embezzlement or other white collar crimes.
Why The Value Of Property Is Important
Whether a theft crime is a felony or misdemeanor in most cases depends upon the value of the property involved. (For example, if the property is worth $500 or less, it will most likely be a Class A misdemeanor.) Some theft crimes are felonies regardless of the value of the property, such as the theft of a firearm or the theft of drugs or anhydrous ammonia.
Theft offenses in Kentucky include:
- Theft by unlawful taking or disposition
- Theft by deception
- Theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake
- Theft of services
- Shoplifting
- Theft of telecommunications services
- Theft by extortion
- Receiving stolen property
- Obscuring identity of machine or other property
- Theft of mail matter
- Theft of identity
- Trafficking in stolen identities
For any given theft offense, the elements of the crime are set out in statute, and each element of the crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury before you can be convicted of the crime.
Make Sure Your Rights Are Protected
You have the right to have a criminal defense lawyer defend you. Your attorney can help you identify applicable defenses and obtain the best possible outcome so you can get on with your life.
Call Aldridge & Birdwhistell Law Firm, PSC at 270-872-0912 in Elizabethtown or 502-907-2899 in Louisville, or send us an email for a free initial consultation.