Madisonville Theft Defense Lawyers

Fighting for the Accused in Hopkins County Courts

Being charged with theft in Kentucky is more than just an allegation — it’s a direct threat to your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Whether the charge involves a shoplifting incident, stolen property, or complex financial theft, a conviction can leave you facing jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we are criminal defense trial lawyers. We don’t back down from tough cases, and we don’t treat clients like they’re guilty just because they’ve been accused. We prepare every case for trial, and we use our experience in the courtroom to challenge the prosecution at every step. If you’ve been charged with theft in Hopkins County, our Madisonville theft defense lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Understanding Kentucky Theft Charges

Kentucky law defines theft as unlawfully taking or exercising control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. But not all theft cases are alike. The type of charge — and the severity of the potential punishment — depends on several factors, including the value of the property, the type of property (e.g., firearms, controlled substances, credit cards), the circumstances of the alleged theft, and your prior criminal record.

We defend clients against a full range of theft-related offenses in Madisonville, including:

Theft by unlawful taking or disposition
Shoplifting
Theft of services
Receiving stolen property
Burglary
Robbery
Embezzlement or employee theft
Auto theft
Identity theft
Credit card fraud or theft

Even a low-level theft charge can carry serious consequences. But with a skilled defense attorney representing you, there’s often much more room to work with than you might think.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Theft in Kentucky

In general, theft becomes a felony in Kentucky when the value of the property involved exceeds $1,000. Here’s a quick overview:

Misdemeanor Theft: Property valued under $1,000. Punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine
Class D Felony Theft: Property valued at $1,000 to $10,000. Punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison
Class C Felony Theft: Property valued over $10,000. Punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison

Some types of property automatically elevate the charge to a felony regardless of value — for example, a stolen firearm or controlled substance. Prior convictions can also increase the penalties.

We work to reduce or dismiss felony charges wherever possible — and we never accept the prosecution’s version of the story at face value.

Building a Strong Theft Defense in Madisonville

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we don’t just manage cases — we build defenses. Our trial preparation begins the moment you walk through our doors. We investigate the allegations, challenge the evidence, and hold the government to its burden of proof.

Common issues we explore in a theft case include:

Was there actual intent to steal? In many cases, what the prosecution calls theft may have been a misunderstanding, mistake, or civil dispute.
Is the evidence reliable? Surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, or inventory records can be flawed or incomplete.
Were your rights violated? We challenge unlawful searches, coerced statements, and improper police procedures.
Can the state prove possession or control? Simply being near or associated with stolen property is not enough to prove a crime.

We’ve successfully defended clients by challenging weak evidence, exposing procedural violations, and negotiating favorable resolutions that avoid a conviction altogether.

First-Time Offenders and Diversion Programs

If this is your first offense, you may qualify for a pretrial diversion program or deferred prosecution, which can keep a conviction off your record entirely. These options often involve conditions like restitution, community service, or classes, followed by dismissal of the charges upon successful completion.

We advocate aggressively for these resolutions where appropriate — especially for young people, college students, and others who may face devastating consequences from a conviction. But we don’t recommend diversion at the expense of a good defense. If the evidence doesn’t hold up, we’re ready to fight the charges head-on.

Local Defense with Real Courtroom Experience

We know the Hopkins County courts. We know the local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. That matters — because every theft case is different, and so is every courtroom. Our team tailors your defense strategy to the unique facts of your case and the realities of your venue.

You won’t find cookie-cutter representation here. We take your case personally. Whether you’re charged with shoplifting from a local store or facing felony theft of thousands in property, we bring the same level of trial readiness and relentless advocacy.

Talk to a Madisonville Theft Defense Attorney Today

Theft charges can damage your reputation and derail your future, even before a conviction. Don’t take chances. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more time we have to protect your rights and build your defense.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we are here to defend you, not judge you. We offer confidential consultations and straight answers about what to expect — and what we can do to help.

Call today to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Madisonville.