Shoplifting Charges in Kansas
Dec. 29, 2022
Many people think that shoplifting is a victimless crime that, if they are caught, will produce little to no consequences. In the state of Kansas, the penalties for shoplifting are more severe than you may realize. As a criminal defense attorney, I represent University of Kansas students and other residents of Lawrence, Kansas who are facing petty theft and shoplifting charges. The fines that come with a conviction may be more than the item you are accused of stealing, which is why you need someone who will help you seek justice.
If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Lawrence, Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, or anywhere else in Kansas, contact me at Chahine Legal LLC and set up a one-on-one consultation.
Classification & Penalties of Shoplifting in Kansas
Depending on the cost of the item or items that were stolen, shoplifting can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Level A Misdemeanor – A level A misdemeanor is the highest misdemeanor charge you can receive. In order to be charged with this, the item that you are accused of stealing must be below $1,000. If convicted, the penalties can include a year in the local county jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Level 9 Felony – This is the lowest felony charge for shoplifting. If the item in question is priced between $1,000 and $25,000, you could be charged with this felony. You could also be charged if you are accused of stealing an item ranging between $50 and $1,000 and you have two prior theft convictions in the past five years. The punishments for a level 9 felony include 17 months in prison and fines not exceeding $100,000.
Level 7 Felony – If you are arrested for stealing an item that costs between $25,000 and $100,000, you could be facing a level 7 felony. Being convicted of this crime could land you anywhere from 11 to 34 months in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
Level 5 Felony – This is the highest-level felony that you can be charged with for shoplifting. You could face these charges if the price of the merchandise stolen is valued at $100,000 or more. The penalties for this conviction may include 31 to 136 months in prison and fines of up to $300,000.
The more times you are convicted of shoplifting, the more severe the punishments may be. While you may think shoplifting goes unnoticed, the state of Kansas takes it very seriously. If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Lawrence, Kansas, contact me at my criminal defense law firm Chahine Legal LLC and let’s set up a consultation.
Possible Defenses to Shoplifting Charges
While no two cases are exactly the same, there are defenses that may be applicable to your specific situation. You may not have realized that you walked out of the store with the merchandise in your possession—a simple mistake. Perhaps the item in question rightfully belongs to you or you had thought that it did. Whatever your circumstances may be, it is best to talk to a criminal defense attorney who will listen to your story and build you a strong, reliable strategy. Contact me today in Lawrence, Kansas, and schedule a meeting.
Turn to a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney in Lawrence
Perhaps you are a college student that made a mistake. Perhaps you are wrongfully accused by an employee at Kohl's, Urban Outfitters, or anywhere else. Regardless of your situation, you have the right to speak to a criminal defense attorney when accused of shoplifting. I earned both my bachelor's degree and law degree at KU and am dedicated to helping its current students and other residents in Lawrence who have been arrested for shoplifting. I also provide my services to Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, and other surrounding communities in Kansas. Contact me today at Chahine Legal LLC and set up a meeting to go over your shoplifting case.