In Kansas, defendants are charged with a theft infraction based on the circumstances of the crime. These offenses receive varying penalties based on the value of the items and how they were acquired. The following is a review of theft-related charges that can be addressed by a Theft Defense Attorney.
Theft of Any Property that was Mislaid by the Owner
This charge implies that the defendant stole property that was lost or stolen previously. In these cases, the property owner has reported it lost or stolen to law enforcement. The charge is considered a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty for the infraction is one year in county lockup and a fine of $2,500.
What is Theft of Services?
The infraction is defined by the access of services that require payment for use. This includes unlawful access to utilities, cable services, and illegal use of hotel rooms. The accused is charged according to the length of time the services were used. Determining the penalty will involve the value assigned to the duration of use and any violation of federal regulations.
What is Boosting?
Boosting is defined as an accumulation of at least three theft charges in at least three different states. This infraction must occur within a period of 72 hours to be deemed boosting. The charge is initially a level 9 felony. The most common penalty is a prison sentence of a minimum of five months. However, the value of the items stolen and any bodily harm that occurred during the crimes are also applied to these penalties.
What are the Penalties for Shoplifting?
The current penalties for shoplifting start with a class A misdemeanor. This charge is applied when the property is under $1,000. This charge has a penalty of a maximum of one year in county lockup. The fine for this offense is $2,500.
In Kansas, theft charges are based on the total value of the items stolen. If they are resold, the defendant can face additional charges. If the individual receives or purchases stolen items, they can also face additional charges. Defendants who are facing these charges contact a Theft Defense Attorney by visiting us today. You can also follow them on Twitter for more information.