Theft Attorney in Kentucky

Knowledgeable Defense for Clients Facing a Property Crime in Louisville & Surrounding Areas

Maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time, or perhaps you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whatever the circumstances, being accused of theft carries serious consequences. If you or someone you care about has been arrested on suspicion of stealing, call William M. Butler, a dedicated theft attorney in Louisville.

Kentucky theft attorney William Butler has devoted his legal career to protecting the rights of the accused. For over 35 years, he has skillfully defended thousands of clients, achieving a track record of positive results, and can help you as well. If you face accusations of any type of theft, Mr. Butler listens to your side, explains your options, and begins building your defense promptly.

For more information, please see his Case Results and Testimonials.

To schedule a free initial consultation with a theft attorney in Kentucky, call (502) 237-0871 or contact William Butler’s law firm via email.

Types of Theft Cases We Handle in Kentucky

William Butler has extensive experience defending clients against a variety of theft charges, such as:

• Petty Theft: Petty theft, or misdemeanor theft, involves the unlawful taking of property or services with a lower value.
• Grand Theft: When the stolen property exceeds $500 in value, the crime is classified as grand theft.
• Shoplifting: Shoplifting means stealing merchandise from a store. In Kentucky, the penalty for shoplifting depends on the value of the stolen items.
• Identity Theft: Representation includes defending those accused of online identity theft.
• Credit Card Theft: Representation for cases involving stolen credit cards, either online or through physical possession.
• Grand Theft Auto: While not a specific charge in Kentucky, this term often refers to felony theft, meaning theft over a certain dollar amount.
• Burglary: Defined as entering a dwelling (such as a home or business) with the intent to commit a crime. Even if you do not take anything, you could still face charges.
• Robbery: This involves theft by threat or force, including mugging, bank robbery, and store holdups. Mr. Butler represents clients in cases that involve weapons charges as well.
• Embezzlement: Theft from an institution, such as a bank, or theft of funds from a company.

As your theft lawyer in Kentucky, we take time to understand the nuances of your situation and craft a personalized defense strategy. Whether the allegations involve complex financial transactions or property disputes, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome and minimize any long-term impact of the charges.

Understanding Kentucky Theft Laws

In Kentucky, the laws governing theft are detailed primarily within the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 514. 

A person is guilty of theft by unlawful taking or disposition when the person unlawfully:

• Takes or exercises control over movable property of another person with the intent to deprive that person of it; OR
• Obtains immovable property of another or any interest in it with the intent to benefit the person or another not entitled to the property.

The critical element a prosecutor must prove is the intent to deprive the owner of their property. This distinction is often the difference between a criminal conviction and a case dismissal.

The main factors influencing theft charges include:

• Value of the Property: The higher the value of the stolen property, the more serious the charge. Property under $500 is generally a misdemeanor, while property worth more than $500 usually leads to felony charges.
• Intent to Deprive: To convict someone of theft in Kentucky, the prosecution must prove intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
• Prior Criminal History: A past record can affect sentencing. Those with previous theft convictions may face tougher penalties.
• Use of Force or Weapons: If violence occurs during the theft, the charge may escalate to robbery or armed burglary.
• Aggravating Factors: Elements like use of a weapon or targeting an elderly victim can lead to enhanced penalties. If the theft was especially reckless or violent, charges can become more severe.

Theft cases in Kentucky often involve property law, constitutional rights, and criminal procedure. Kentucky statutes classify theft offenses by value and circumstance, and prosecutors in Jefferson County and Louisville take these matters seriously. 

Louisville police routinely investigate theft crimes in stores, public places, and private homes, using both local and state law to bring charges. Having accurate knowledge of local and statewide laws is critical in developing your defense strategy.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences for Theft in Kentucky

The penalties for theft in Kentucky are directly tied to the value and type of property stolen. Understanding these thresholds is a critical component of being an effective Kentucky theft attorney.

The severity of a theft charge escalates rapidly:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Theft of property or services valued at less than $500. Punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $250.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Theft of property or services valued at $500 or more but less than $1,000. Punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Beyond the direct criminal penalties, a conviction for any category of theft carries debilitating long-term consequences:

• Employment Difficulties: Theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude. A theft conviction makes it extremely difficult to pass background checks, effectively barring you from most positions of trust, especially in finance, retail, and government.
• Professional Licensing: Individuals in licensed professions (nursing, teaching, real estate, law) may face immediate suspension or permanent revocation of their license.
• Restitution: Courts nearly always order the convicted person to pay the victim back for the full value of the property stolen, adding significant financial burden.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a theft conviction can trigger deportation proceedings or render one inadmissible to the United States.

We fight every step of the way to mitigate these life-altering consequences for our clients.

When Theft Becomes a Felony in Kentucky

In Kentucky, theft rises to the level of a felony if the value of the stolen property exceeds certain thresholds or if the crime involves specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of theft charges based on severity:

When theft becomes a felony in Kentucky:

• Theft of Property Valued Over $500: Property valued over $500 counts as grand theft and is a Class D felony, carrying a possible 1 to 5 years in prison.
• Theft of Property Valued Over $1,000: If the value surpasses $1,000, the charge may become a Class C felony, with punishments of 5 to 10 years in prison.
• Theft of Property Valued Over $10,000: Stolen items worth more than $10,000 can lead to a Class B felony, with 10 to 20 years in prison.
• Theft of Firearms or Specific Items: Certain property, such as firearms, can increase a theft charge to a felony, no matter the overall value.
• Burglary or Other Aggravated Theft Offenses: Theft during a burglary or involving force, weapons, or injury to a victim may be prosecuted as an aggravated felony, which brings greater penalties.

Louisville courts categorize theft offenses according to state law, but local details may affect how charges proceed. The Jefferson County District Court manages many felony theft cases each year. Defendants in Louisville often must attend arraignment, pretrial conferences, or even jury trials based on the specifics of the alleged offense. Learning how county prosecutors pursue different levels of theft charges helps you prepare for all possible outcomes. With penalties rising at each threshold, timely legal representation strengthens your ability to navigate Louisville’s criminal justice system.

The Kentucky Criminal Defense Process for Theft Charges

The judicial process for a theft charge in Kentucky moves quickly. The moment you are suspected of a crime, you need a Kentucky theft attorney to intervene.

1. Initial Investigation/Intervention: Often, we are able to intervene before charges are formally filed, especially in white-collar or employee theft cases. Our goal is to present the client's side of the story and evidence to law enforcement or the prosecutor to dissuade them from bringing charges, or to at least secure the lowest possible charge level.
2. Arraignment and Bond Hearing: After an arrest, we aggressively advocate for low or no cash bond to ensure our client can be released and assist in their own defense.
3. Discovery and Evidence Review: Our firm conducts a thorough investigation, including reviewing police body camera footage, eyewitness statements, surveillance video, and financial records. This often involves questioning the police procedures and the way evidence was collected.
4. Valuation Challenge: Because the severity of the charge hinges on property value, we frequently challenge the prosecution's method of valuation, arguing for a lower figure that could reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor. For any theft lawyer in Kentucky, this is a critical defense tool.
5. Pre-Trial Negotiation and Motions: We utilize the weaknesses identified in the evidence to negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction of charges, or entry into a diversion program, which can often result in the case being expunged after a period of supervision.
6. Trial: Should a trial be necessary, our firm’s attorney has over 35 years of experience defending clients and is ready to mount a dynamic courtroom defense, forcing the prosecution to meet their burden of proof.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Theft in Louisville

If authorities investigate or charge you with a theft-related offense, take the following immediate steps:

• Avoid speaking to police or store security without a lawyer present.
• Do not return to the scene or contact the alleged victim.
• Gather any documents, receipts, or text messages that support your version of events.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney right away.

An experienced Kentucky theft attorney can become involved early, help stop unnecessary escalation, and start building a defense from day one.

Defending Against Theft Charges in Kentucky

If you face theft charges in Kentucky, several defenses may challenge the accusations. One defense is the lack of intent, since the prosecution needs to show you aimed to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If the theft was unintentional, such as taking something by mistake, or if you planned to return the item, those defenses can apply. 

Other common defenses include false accusations, insufficient evidence, or consent. If you were not at the scene or no evidence links you to the crime, your attorney may argue for dismissal. Permission to take the property or not knowing it was stolen can also serve as valid defenses against theft charges.

Additional strategies include providing an alibi, raising entrapment if law enforcement encouraged the offense, or contesting evidence obtained by illegal search or seizure. Negotiating a plea bargain may help reduce charges or penalties in some situations. The statute of limitations for most theft offenses in Kentucky is five years, so in certain cases, charges may be dismissed if too much time has passed. 

Working with an experienced theft lawyer in Louisville, such as William M. Butler, Jr., helps you assess your options and build a solid defense.

Consulting an Experienced Theft Attorney in Kentucky

Theft crimes may seem minor on the surface, but a conviction stays with you, appearing on your criminal record and potentially preventing you from reaching career goals.

William Butler fully understands the seriousness of these offenses and stands ready to defend your rights. For more than 35 years, he has successfully represented thousands of clients and built a strong history of results—and he can fight to protect your future as well.

If you have been arrested on any type of theft charge, do not hesitate to seek the help of a proven attorney, William M. Butler, Jr., by calling (502) 237-0871 today, or contacting him via email to schedule your initial confidential consultation.