KRS 514.060: Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property in Kentucky

What Is KRS 514.060?

KRS 514.060 covers theft of lost or mislaid property in Kentucky. Yes — failing to return found property can be theft. People in Lexington and Louisville sometimes face these charges after picking up wallets, phones, or other items they should have returned.

What the Statute Prohibits

A person commits theft of lost or mislaid property when they come into control of property they know has been lost or mislaid, and intending to deprive the owner, fail to take reasonable measures to restore the property.

Penalties Under KRS 514.060

Same value-based scale as other theft statutes:

Less than $500: Class A misdemeanor
$1,000 or more: Felony

What “Reasonable Measures” Means

If you find lost property, you should:

Turn it in to local police
Try to identify and contact the owner
Post about finding it (in some cases)
Hold it for a reasonable time

Defenses Available

You didn’t know the property was lost
You took reasonable steps to return it
You had no way to identify the owner
You intended to return the property eventually

Clark + Harris Defends Theft Charges

Call 859-474-0001 — 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful: