Kentucky Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Kentucky online theft class, it's important to know your Kentucky theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Kentucky theft and shoplifting laws displayed on this page are to help you to understand your state Kentucky theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the most up-to-date version of Kentucky theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from an attorney. It is in your best interest that you find an appropriate lawyer for more information about Kentucky theft laws.

Class	Price
4 Hour Theft Class	$99	Register Now
6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

General Provisions (KRS 514.020)

A person cannot be prosecuted for theft if they meet any of the following conditions:

• They were unaware that the property or service belonged to someone else.
• They had a valid claim or right to the property or believed they were entitled to it.
• They took an item that was for sale, intending to pay for it promptly, or reasonably believed the owner would have allowed them to take it.

Theft committed against a spouse is still considered theft, except for personal and household items that both spouses have access to. However, this only applies if the couple is no longer living together.

Failing to return leased or rented property within 10 days of the contract’s expiration is considered evidence of intent to commit theft. Additionally, using false identification to rent property may also be considered evidence of theft. The owner must still request the return of the property before pursuing legal action.

Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (KRS 514.030)

A person commits theft by unlawful taking if they:

• Take or control someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it.
• Obtain property or an interest in property they are not entitled to.

Penalties:

• If the stolen property is worth less than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• If the property is worth $500 or more, it becomes a Class D felony.
• If the stolen property is a firearm or anhydrous ammonia, it is a Class D felony, regardless of value.
• If anhydrous ammonia is stolen with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, the penalties increase to a Class B felony for the first offense and a Class A felony for subsequent offenses.
• If the property is valued at $10,000 or more, it is a Class C felony.

Theft by Deception (KRS 514.040)

A person commits theft by deception if they obtain property or services by misleading someone. Deception includes:

• Creating or reinforcing a false impression about law, value, or intent.
• Preventing someone from getting information that would influence their decision.
• Failing to correct a false impression that they previously created.
• Hiding legal claims, liens, or restrictions on property when selling or transferring it.
• Writing bad checks, knowing they will not be honored.

Theft by deception does not include harmless exaggeration ("puffery") or statements that do not affect financial matters.

If someone issues a bad check, they are presumed to have known it would not be paid if:

• They had no account with the bank when the check was written.
• The check was refused for insufficient funds, and they did not pay the amount due within 10 days after being notified.

Penalties:

• If the stolen property or check amount is less than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• If it is $500 or more but less than $10,000, it is a Class D felony.
• If it is $10,000 or more, it is a Class C felony.

Theft of Lost, Mislaid, or Mistakenly Delivered Property (KRS 514.050)

A person is guilty of this crime if they:

• Take control of lost, mislaid, or mistakenly delivered property and fail to return it to its rightful owner.

Penalties:

• If the property is worth less than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• If the value is $500 or more but less than $10,000, it is a Class D felony.
• If the value is $10,000 or more, it is a Class C felony.

Theft of Services (KRS 514.060)

A person commits theft of services if they:

• Intentionally use deception or threats to obtain services without paying.
• Gain unauthorized access to wireless, telephone, or other communication services.
• Divert services for personal use without permission.

Special Cases:

• Leaving a hotel or restaurant without paying is considered prima facie evidence of theft.
• Tampering with utility meters or reconnecting services without permission is also considered theft.

Penalties:

• If the service value is less than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• If it is $500 or more but less than $10,000, it is a Class D felony.
• If it is $10,000 or more, it is a Class C felony.

Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (KRS 514.100)

A person is guilty if they use a car or other vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor for a first offense.
• Class D felony if the person has prior convictions for stealing or unlawfully using a vehicle.

Receiving Stolen Property (KRS 514.110)

A person commits this crime if they knowingly receive, retain, or dispose of stolen property.

Penalties:

• If the property is worth less than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• If it is $500 or more but less than $10,000, it is a Class D felony.
• If it is $10,000 or more, it is a Class C felony.
• If the stolen item is a firearm or anhydrous ammonia, it is a Class D felony.
• If anhydrous ammonia was stolen to make methamphetamine, penalties increase to a Class B felony for the first offense and a Class A felony for subsequent offenses.

Theft by Extortion (KRS 514.080)

A person commits this crime if they obtain property by threatening to:

• Harm someone.
• Accuse someone of a crime.
• Reveal damaging secrets.
• Abuse their position as a public official.
• Influence legal testimony.

Penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor if the property is worth less than $500.
• Class D felony if the value is $500 or more but less than $10,000.
• Class C felony if the value is $10,000 or more.

Theft of Identity (KRS 514.160)

A person commits identity theft if they use someone else's personal information (such as Social Security number, bank details, or biometric data) for illegal purposes, including:

• Stealing money or benefits.
• Making fraudulent credit transactions.
• Avoiding detection.
• Gaining commercial or political advantages.

Penalties:

• Identity theft is a Class D felony.
• Businesses that commit identity theft multiple times may also violate the Consumer Protection Act.

Seizure and Forfeiture of Property (KRS 514.130)

If someone is convicted of theft, property used in the crime may be seized and forfeited to the state. This includes:

• Stolen property.
• Vehicles used to commit theft.
• Any major parts of a stolen vehicle, such as the engine, frame, or transmission.

These laws ensure that theft-related crimes are clearly defined and penalized based on the severity of the offense. If you need further clarification or legal advice, consult an attorney.

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