Theft Defense Attorney in Overland Park, Kansas

According to statistics from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, there were 67,928 reported property crimes statewide in 2021, comprising 49,663 theft cases. In Kansas, a person may be arrested and charged with theft or larceny for obtaining unauthorized control over someone else's property and with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of their possession. Unfortunately, a theft conviction can jeopardize your liberty, quality of life, future, and career opportunities. 

If you're under investigation for theft or if you have been arrested and charged with a theft crime, retaining an aggressive Kansas criminal defense attorney is imperative to help craft your defense. The attorneys at Roth Davies LLC are dedicated to offering reliable representation and detailed legal counsel to clients in their theft or larceny cases. The team will fight skillfully to uphold your freedom, dispute the charges against you, and help keep your record clear. 

Roth Davies LLC proudly represents clients across Overland Park, Kansas, and throughout Johnson County. 

Understanding Theft Charges in Kansas  

Theft involves stealing or taking another person's property without the owner's consent. According to Kansas law, theft occurs when a person does any of these acts, with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property, benefit, or use of their property or services: 

• Obtain or exercise unauthorized control over the property or services 

• Obtain control over property or services through threat or deception, or 

• Obtain control over stolen property or services while knowing that they were stolen. 

Examples of Theft 

Some common examples of theft crimes in Kansas include: 

• Stealing 

• Shoplifting 

• Embezzling money from a business or company 

• Looting 

• Misappropriating funds from an elderly parent's bank account 

• Obtaining property by false promises 

• Illegal use of credit or debit cards 

• Splicing a neighbor's cable 

• Illegal diversion of funds 

• Purchasing or accepting stolen items 

• Threatening not to return someone's possession without compensation. 

• Tricking another person into wiring funds 

If you or someone you know is facing theft accusations, you should get in touch with a dependable criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can review every detail of your case comprehensively and fully explain the nature and severity of your charges. 

Classification of Theft Charges 

Additionally, theft crimes in Kansas may be classified using the monetary value of the stolen item or services – involved in the crime. These include: 

Misdemeanor Theft: Misdemeanor theft is the lowest level of theft offense in Kansas. It involves stealing property or services valued at $1,500 or less. 

Felony Theft: Felony theft involves stealing property or services valued at over $1,500, a firearm, or with previous theft convictions. However, felony theft may be classified into any of the following, depending on the value of the stolen item or service: 

• Severity Level 9 Felony – Property or service value between $1,500 and $25,000; firearm; property or service value between $50 and $1,500 with two or more previous theft convictions. 

• Severity Level 7 Felony – Property or service value between $25,000 and $100,000. 

• Severity Level 5 Felony – Property or service valued at $100,000 or more 

The burden of a theft charge can be devastating and may potentially jeopardize every aspect of your life and future. An experienced Kansas theft defense attorney can educate you about the possible penalties and ramifications of a theft accusation and help build your best defenses. 

Possible Penalties  

Depending on the dollar value of the stolen item or service, a theft conviction might result in any of these penalties and consequences: 

• Huge fines and court fees 

• Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• A criminal record/history 

• Probation 

• Community service 

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits, accommodation, education, or job 

• Increased difficulty in traveling abroad 

• Ineligibility for certain financial loans 

• Loss of the right to vote during elections 

• Loss of the right to own or carry a gun or firearm 

• Damage to professional and personal relationships. 

• Loss of scholarships or University acceptance. 

A strategic legal counsel can identify possible defenses to your theft charges and help you avoid the far-reaching consequences of a criminal conviction. 

Examples of Theft Defenses 

Here are some of the legal defenses that your attorney can use to help fight your theft charges: 

• You borrowed the item and intended to return it to the rightful owner 

• Falsely accused of theft 

• Intoxication 

• Truth or ambiguity of the statement 

• Reasonable belief in the truth of threat (for extortion) 

• No intention to steal the property 

• Acted with the property owner's consent 

• Entrapment 

• You took the property under a good faith belief of having the right to take it. 

A reliable theft defense lawyer can determine the best defenses to fight your charges and represent you diligently at every phase of the legal process. 

Don’t Face Challenges Alone  

Defending your theft accusations without reliable representation and guidance is never advisable. If convicted, you may be subject to lengthy incarceration, massive fines, a criminal record, and other social consequences. Therefore, when charged with a theft crime, you need to hire a highly-skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and help build your defense. 

The attorneys at Roth Davies LLC enjoy protecting individuals wrongfully charged with theft from the worst-possible penalties. As your legal team, they can investigate every detail of your case and help craft a solid defense to fight your charges. In addition, the team will help you navigate the Kansas criminal justice system, fight for your rights, and increase your chances of a brighter tomorrow.