Theft Lawyer Cleveland, MO

Theft Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. You can’t underestimate Cleveland, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. Your Cleveland, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will listen to your story, research your case, and build a strong defense. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

Today, you can read about:

• The key elements of theft in Cleveland, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• How to get a hold of a theft lawyer today

What is Theft in Cleveland, MO?

For a definition of theft in Cleveland, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Taking something that belongs to another person for yourself, including by tricking them or through means of force.
2. Trying to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen that does not belong to you, whether or not you succeed.
3. Receiving/selling stolen goods.

Depending on the alleged item stolen, how it was stolen, and its value, you could face additional charges and/or elevated penalties, which you can read about more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s always important to get in touch with a Cleveland, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

What Makes Theft Crimes Different From Other Cleveland, MO, Criminal Charges?

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Cleveland, MO: What was stolen and what the perpetrator supposedly did to take it.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Your defense strategy might focus on the supposed method of theft, or on the item itself: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could be built around ownership confusion.

Theft crime penalties in Cleveland, MO, are also affected by the defendant’s criminal record.

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Cleveland, MO?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Cleveland, MO. Because Missouri does not have a separate law for shoplifting, it falls under the same statute as standard theft.

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. There are several different forms of shoplifting: One example is switching the price tags on two items to reduce how much you have to pay.

Some other states have dedicated shoplifting laws. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

Accused of Theft in Cleveland, MO? Take These 7 Steps

Theft arrests in Cleveland, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Avoid talking with police, request your lawyer, and collect information that could help your defense.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Plead the Fifth — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Call Your Stealing Charges Lawyer — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey Court Orders — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Don’t keep anything from your attorney regarding your case. They can help you best when they know the full story.
5. Research Your Case — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — Taking into account your story, your record, and the evidence, you can work with your attorney to decide on a strong defensive plan.

The Role of Your Cleveland, MO, Theft Lawyer

Your theft defense attorney plays a key role in protecting your rights. Whatever stage you’re at in the criminal justice process, it’s essential to have a lawyer at your side, guiding you through it.

Your rights get an added layer of protection when you work with an attorney:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Call today to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Cleveland, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. For the most part, you’re in more danger if you have prior theft convictions, and/or if the value of the supposedly taken property is higher. Below, we’ve listed the different possible penalty classes for theft under § 570.030 RSMo, and what qualifies for each:

Class A Felony Theft:

• Stealing a storage tank or other container with any amount of anhydrous ammonia.

Class B Felony Theft:

• Stealing or attempting to steal anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen.
• Stealing livestock over $3,000 in value, if you have previously been convicted of livestock theft.
• Stealing livestock over $10,000 in value, with or without a prior conviction.
• Stealing a vehicle, in cases where the accused has had two separate and unconnected theft-related convictions in the last 10 years.
• Stealing money from a financial institution by physically trying to take it from a worker.
• Stealing over $10,000 worth of property as part of a shoplifting ring.

Class C Felony Theft:

• Stealing an ATM, or anything inside one.
• Stealing $750 or more worth of property, but less than $10,000, as part of an organized retail theft.
• General theft of property or services worth more than $25,000.

Class D Felony Theft:

• Stealing something the alleged victim was currently carrying or holding.
• The item stolen was:
  • A motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A gun.
  • An explosive.
  • A United States national flag for public display.
  • An original copy of a Missouri legal bill.
  • A court document.
  • A voter registration book.
  • Live fish, raised for sale, with a value of $75 or more.
  • Captive wildlife held under permit.
  • Drugs.
  • Ammonium nitrate.
  • Power, phone, or fuel lines.
  • Anything to be used in the creation of methamphetamine.
• General theft of property or services worth $750 or more.

Class E Felony Theft

• Stealing an animal.
• Stealing a catalytic converter.
• Stealing anything with at least three prior theft-related convictions within 10 years, on separate occasions.
• Stealing mail before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that fits none of the above categories, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender does not have a criminal record including stealing related convictions.

In any other cases, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Cleveland, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. For example, embezzlement is a form of stealing in which the supposed offender had legitimate access to the money. This is different from general theft, which normally presumes the supposed offender did not have prior access.

Burglary

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. This crime is often a form of theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is a particular kind of theft, where one person uses force or threats to coerce another person into giving away their valuables. In Cleveland, MO, If a weapon was used, a victim was hurt, or the supposed perpetrator made violent threats, the crime would count as robbery.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is when a person misuses funds that were not their own, but they were given control over. This is different from typical theft in that the alleged perpetrator had permission to access the money, but supposedly used it improperly.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is unique in that it doesn’t necessarily stealing money or a physical object, and instead another person’s identifying information. Missouri specifically requires that the alleged perpetrator does so with the intent to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud covers a wide range of actions in Cleveland, MO, including misusing a credit card (often fake or cancelled ones), and lying on credit card applications.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Combs Waterkotte’s stealing charges lawyers offer expert criminal defense for all of the above allegations. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Strong Defenses Against Stealing Charges

When considering defenses for your case, be sure to examine theft-specific options, like ownership and claim of right. The examples listed below are some of the strong defensive options that our lawyers will consider for your case:

• Claim of Right — Claim of right is most applicable in cases involving borrowed or rented property; when you had permission to use an item, but it wasn’t yours.
• Actual Ownership — Sometimes, a theft case is no more than a property dispute. If you can show you lawfully owned the item in question, this can be one of the strongest defenses.
• Perceived Ownership — If you honestly believed you owned an item, this can sometimes excuse theft. Proving this relies on strong supporting evidence.
• Lack of Intent — Lack of intent can protect you if you took an item without realizing it. For example, maybe a friend forgot their phone in your car, and you drove off with it. Assuming you didn’t realize it was there, you lacked intent to commit theft.
• Necessity — Sometimes theft is committed to prevent greater harm; for example, stealing medical supplies to help someone who’s been injured.
• Alibi — Alibi is often the strongest defense in criminal cases, as it shows that you physically could not have been the offender.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• Lack of Evidence — You are presumed innocent until found guilty, and if the prosecution’s case against you is unconvincing, your lawyer can highlight its flaws.
• Evidentiary Issues — If key evidence was obtained illegally or did not follow chain of custody rules, it can be challenged and thrown out.

Fighting a case requires more than just the right defensive strategy. It also takes a larceny defense attorney who knows how to use it. At Combs Waterkotte, we’re prepared to explore every option to defend against your charges.

What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Theft Defense Lawyers Apart

Combs Waterkotte is Cleveland, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm. Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has handled over 10,000 cases — many of them theft cases, just like yours. We are dedicated to our clients and make sure we are always available to help.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

When your freedom is on the line, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal help. Combs Waterkotte can provide you with just that.

Get Help Fighting Theft Charges in Cleveland, MO, Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Call a theft lawyer in Cleveland, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to schedule a confidential consult with one of our team members.