If you are facing charges for theft crimes in Georgetown, Kentucky, the implications can be life-changing. A conviction could mean jail time and significant fines, not to mention the long-term impacts it can have on your record when seeking employment or housing.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand the serious nature of these charges and work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights. We possess decades of combined experience in handling all sorts of theft-related cases—from minor shoplifting offenses to complex embezzlement cases.
If you need help dealing with a theft charge, we’re here for you. Contact us today at (185)-930-98550 to schedule a free consultation with a Georgetown theft crimes lawyer.
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How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For a Theft Crime in Georgetown, KY
Facing an arrest in Georgetown, KY can be a highly stressful and frightening experience, but there are clear and concrete steps we can take to support you during such times:
Legal Assessment
We first sit down with you to discuss the situation and understand the details of your case. We want to hear your side of the story, and we will also review any available evidence with you.
Building a Strategic Defense
After understanding your position fully, we’ll zero in on developing an effective defense. This often requires a more thorough investigation or even consultations with expert witnesses.
Negotiating with Prosecution
Our team will speak with the prosecutors on your behalf to negotiate a potential plea deal. This might involve a reduction in charges or an agreement to impose less severe penalties.
Going to Trial
If a satisfactory arrangement can’t be reached outside of court, we are ready to handle your case at trial in front of a judge and jury.
Post-Trial Actions
If you are convicted at trial, our responsibilities don’t end there. We’ll continue to work on all subsequent issues, from sentencing proceedings to possible appeals.
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s never too early to seek competent legal advice. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Georgetown.
Overview of Theft Crimes in Kentucky
Theft is a criminal offense that involves the intentional taking of another person’s property or services without their consent, with the aim to deprive them of it permanently. This means that for one to be found guilty of theft, there usually needs to be clear evidence of three key factors:
Intent
Proving intent requires establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant engaged in this act knowingly and willingly with the specific intention of taking an item (or service) belonging to someone else/without paying for it.
Deprivation
It must be proven that the accused did not merely borrow the property but intended to permanently keep it from its rightful owner.
Value of Property
Despite common misconceptions that theft involves expensive items only, the object or service taken doesn’t necessarily need to have high value. Examples can include money, art, jewelry, governmental benefits, life insurance proceeds, utilities, and even hotel accommodations.
If you’re facing charges for theft, it’s essential to work with a Georgetown criminal defense lawyer to have the best possible chance at a dismissal or acquittal.
Examples of Kentucky Theft Crimes
Theft crimes in Kentucky come in many forms. It’s important to understand the difference between them, as penalties can vary.
Theft by Deception
Theft by deception involves obtaining property or services from someone else through deceptive means. An example is pretending to be law enforcement and taking an item of value from someone.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a common theft crime that entails taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it with the intention of keeping it.
Robbery
Robbery takes theft a step further. It typically involves forcibly stealing property directly from another person, either through threats of violence or actual physical harm.
Extortion
This crime consists of obtaining property or services from someone else through coercion – often referred to as blackmail. Extortion typically involves threatening to reveal embarrassing, disgraceful, or damaging information about a person unless they hand over money or goods.
Receiving Stolen Property
The act of knowingly receiving stolen goods is a crime. This could apply if you purchase an item knowing it was stolen. Being unaware is not necessarily a legal defense and could still result in charges if it’s deemed that you ought to have known the goods were stolen.
This is not an exhaustive list but provides a general overview of common theft crimes in Kentucky.
What Are the Penalties For Theft Crimes in Georgetown, Kentucky?
The penalties for theft crimes in Kentucky vary depending on the nature of the crime, the value of the stolen property, and a defendant’s criminal history. Here’s a closer look:
For Theft Charges Based on Value
Kentucky law separates theft charges into different categories, usually based on the value of the stolen items:
Class A Misdemeanor
If you’re charged with stealing property valued at less than $500, you face a Class A misdemeanor, which carries 12 months in jail and fines that can reach up to $500.
Class D Felony
If you are accused of taking property that is valued between $500 and $10,000, it will qualify as a Class D felony. This carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
Class C Felony
Theft of property valued at more than $10,000 constitutes a Class C felony. Penalties become more severe at this level, with potential incarceration time ranging from five to ten years, as well as fines reaching up to $10,000.
Penalties for Robbery
Under Kentucky law, robbery is always classified as a felony:
Robbery in the First Degree
This is considered a Class B Felony and can result in severe penalties, including a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.
Robbery in the Second Degree
Robbery in the second degree is a Class C Felony and carries jail time of anywhere between five to ten years.
If you’re facing any type of theft charges in Kentucky, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For a Theft Crime in Georgetown, KY?
Mounting a successful defense to theft charges can be complicated, but there are several strategies an experienced criminal defense lawyer might adopt:
Mistaken Identity
In some cases, individuals may be falsely identified as the perpetrator. Witnesses or victims might incorrectly identify someone in a photo lineup or on the scene, which could lead to wrongful arrests.
Lack of Required Intent
A crucial component in convicting someone for theft is proving beyond a reasonable doubt that they intended to permanently deprive another individual of their belongings. It’s possible to argue that a defendant’s actions were misunderstood and lacked this required intent.
False Accusations
It’s not uncommon for people to be falsely accused due to misunderstandings, potential vendettas, or personal grudges. Providing evidence of such motivations can work in your favor.
Mistake
There may be scenarios where an individual genuinely believed they were legally permitted to have the particular property in question. If this mistaken belief can be substantiated, the defendant could avoid a theft conviction.
Claim of Right
If you truly believed that the property or goods were rightfully yours, this may be a legitimate defense against theft charges. However, being able to effectively use this argument relies on the ability to provide convincing evidence supporting your claim, like proof of purchase or evidence that someone gave you the item as a gift.
Violation of Rights
Evidence used against you might have been collected in violation of your constitutional rights. For instance, if the police searched your home or vehicle unlawfully and took incriminating evidence without a proper warrant, there is a possibility to have it excluded from proceedings, weakening the prosecutor’s case.
No defense strategy is guaranteed success, but you aren’t guilty just because you’ve been arrested. Always contact a theft defense attorney right away.
The possibility of facing a theft charge can be overwhelming and distressing. However, taking the right steps is critical at a time like this. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to help. With our knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side, confronting this situation becomes easier.
Contact us today at (185)-930-98550 to schedule a free consultation with a Georgetown theft crimes attorney.
Local Sheriff Department
- Scott County Sheriff – 120 N Hamilton St, Georgetown, KY 40324, United States
- Fayette Sheriff’s Office – 150 N Limestone #265, Lexington, KY 40507, United States
- Woodford County Sheriff – 103 S Main St, Versailles, KY 40383, United States
Local Prisons
- Scott County Jail – 130 Court St, Georgetown, KY 40324, United States
- Blackburn Correctional Complex – 3111 Spurr Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
- FMC Lexington – 3301 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Georgetown, KY
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
102 E Main, St #6
Georgetown, KY 40324
(185)-930-98550
Areas we serve
Abbey At Old Oxford, Adena Ridge, Barkley Meadows, Belvedere, Boston, Brooklane Estates, Canewood, Copperfield, Downtown, Elkhorn Glen, Elkhorn Green, Falls Creek, Fishers Mill Landing, Harbor Village, Harmony Ridge, Indian Hill, Iron Works, Lake Forest, Lancaster Heights, Mallard Point, Mansion Estates, Mcclelland Springs, Mcclelland View, Mt Vernon, Newtown, Parkside, Paynes Crossing, Paynes Landing
