A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.
In Kansas, theft is defined under Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 21-5801. A person commits theft when they intentionally obtain or exert unauthorized control over someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Theft can occur through various means, including taking property without consent, by deceit, or by threat, which would encompass actions like stealing, fraud, and extortion. The severity of the theft charge in Kansas can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a severity level 7, nonperson felony, depending on the value of the property stolen and other factors such as prior convictions or the nature of the property taken. Penalties for theft can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. It is important for individuals accused of theft to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the specific legal implications of their case.