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.
Turn to Reliable Representation
Reach Out TodayUnderstanding 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.
Theft Defense Attorney Serving Overland Park, Kansas
Facing theft charges can be overwhelming. Don't face them alone. Contact Roth Davies LLC to arrange a consultation. The trusted team at the firm has the clear legal direction and aggressive representation you need in your case. The firm proudly represents clients across Overland Park, Kansas, and throughout Johnson County.