Zach V. Thomas

The Olathe Criminal Defense Lawyer

Charged with Theft?

The range on possible theft charges is wide and each and everyone of them can turn into future obstacles in job searches or career changes. The reason for this is that even a municipal court misdemeanor theft or shoplifting charge is considered a crime of dishonesty. When looking at prospective employees, most employers highlight these theft convictions as an immediate red flag. Additionally, immigration considers these crimes, crimes of moral turpitude and the result could be drastic.

Theft is a charge that many think means little as its often charged as a misdemeanor. Problems arise as people accumulate theft convictions. Special rules in Kansas allow prosecutors to charge people who have multiple theft convictions with felony theft even if the item stolen was of little value.

Identity Theft

Identity theft poses a lot of problems as this felony charge is a severe red flag on job applications and for immigration. Johnson County is very unique in that they’ll charge people with Identity Theft if they filled out a job application with a fake or false social security number. It is vital you talk to an attorney that has experience with these cases and who is willing to take your case to trial.

A lawyer familiar with the courtroom and judges

Additionally, some judges in District Courts could impose shock-time for theft convictions. Shock time is when the judge orders you to spend up to 60 days in the county jail prior to being released on probation. It doesn’t happen in every case, but, knowing the judge and their tendencies is an important issue to address when talking with a lawyer. Be sure you hire a lawyer who is aware of things like which judges require shock time on theft cases.

Call me to ensure you speak with a lawyer that has the knowledge and experience to properly address these issues.

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  • Theft STATUTE
  • 21-5801. Theft.
    (a) Theft is any of the following acts done with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the possession, use r benefit of the owner's property or services:

    (1) Obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property or services;
    (2) obtaining control over property or services, by deception;
    (3) obtaining control over property or services, by threat;
    (4) obtaining control over stolen property or services knowing the property or services to have been stolen by another; or
    (5) knowingly dispensing motor fuel into a storage container or the fuel tank of a motor vehicle at an establishment in which motor fuel is offered for retail sale and leaving the premises of the establishment without making payment for the motor fuel.