Theft Lawyer Gower, MO

Theft Lawyer in Gower, MO. You can’t underestimate Gower, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. On your own, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. Your Gower, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Page Overview:

Here, you can learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Gower, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Tactics that have proven effective in many theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte is Gower’s leading defense firm
• How to get a hold of a theft lawyer today

What Counts as Theft in Gower, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Gower, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Gower:

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 and/or selling stolen property.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which you can read about more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s always important to call a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why You Need to Treat Theft Charges in Gower, MO, Differently

Theft charges in Gower, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The type of property taken and the method used.

The specific consequences you could be facing depend on the type of property that was supposedly taken. 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, the right defense strategy is to review conversations with the owner and show that you had permission to use the item.

Prior stealing convictions can also play a role in Gower, MO, theft crime penalties.

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Gower, MO?

There is not a separate statute for shoplifting versus regular theft in Missouri — both are covered under § 570.030 RSMo.

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as “retail theft,” is the stealing of merchandise from a store during regular business hours. The supposed perpetrator will often hide the item(s) while pretending to shop, then leave the store without paying for it. For example, a grocery customer might sneak a candy bar into their pocket and only pay for their other groceries when checking out.

Some other states have dedicated shoplifting laws. Related to shoplifting is “flash mob theft,” where a group of shoplifters attacks a store en masse in an attempt to overwhelm staff.

7 Essential Steps to Take If Accused of Stealing in Gower, MO

Theft arrests in Gower, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Plead the fifth, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and gather anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to protect your future:

1. Remain Silent — The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. Politely but firmly tell any investigators that you are invoking this right.
2. Call Your Stealing Charges Lawyer — The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have an attorney during judicial proceedings. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — If you are granted pretrial release, it’s important to obey all requirements.
4. Tell Your Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — Don’t keep anything from your attorney regarding your case. They can help you best when they know the full story.
5. Research the Law — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your Gower, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Decide on a Defense — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

Why You Need an Experienced Gower, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Gower, MO, justice system alone. With an experienced theft lawyer, you’re getting insights and support every step of the way.

When you work with an attorney, the difference can be night and day:

Get help against these charges now. As Gower, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Contact our team today to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. In general, the higher the value of the supposedly stolen property, the more serious the accusation. Below is a breakdown of why a theft accusation could fit into a given category:

Class A Felony Theft:

• Steal anhydrous ammonia, specifically within a storage container.

Class B Felony Theft:

• Stealing or attempting to steal anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen.
• Stealing livestock over $3,000 in value, with a prior livestock theft conviction.
• Stealing livestock over $10,000 in value, with or without a prior conviction.
• Stealing a vehicle, with at least two prior theft-related convictions within 10 years, on separate occasions.
• 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 an organized retail theft.

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 a shoplifting ring.
• 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 stolen property was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive weapon.
  • A U.S. 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 from someone’s mailbox.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

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

For charges of theft that don’t fit into the above categories, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

Most theft charges in Gower, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

Burglary

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit 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 Gower, MO, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

Embezzlement

What sets embezzlement apart from other forms of stealing is how the supposed offender gained access to the property: If they already had legitimate access, it is considered embezzlement. If not, it’s considered another type of theft.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is not always a form of physical theft, and instead can just involve the taking of another person’s identifying information, so that you could impersonate them. 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 Gower, MO, including misusing a credit card (often fake or cancelled ones), and lying on credit card applications.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Whatever you’re up against, our stealing charges lawyers are ready to defend you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Theft Accusations

Theft, stealing, and larceny charges can be defended using unique strategies like claim of right or ownership, and through more universal defenses like necessity and mistaken identity. Your attorney will research your case and listen to your story, then build a defense based on a tactic like the ones below:

• Claim of Right — Claim of right can be used if you did not own the property, but believed you were allowed to use it.
• Actual Ownership — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• Perceived Ownership — If you have strong records to show your honest belief that you owned an item, this can be used to deny that you had intent to commit theft.
• 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 — Missouri recognizes necessity as a defense, so if you stole something in an emergency to prevent a greater harm, it may be excused.
• Alibi — An alibi is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• Mistaken Identity — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• Lack of Evidence — At the end of the day, it’s on the prosecution to prove that you’re guilty. If their case is weak, your attorney will demonstrate this.
• Evidentiary Issues — The state needs to follow the rules when investigating crimes. When they break those rules, we can file motions to suppress the evidence.

Whatever you’re accused of, you need a strong defense plan. A larceny defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you get there.

Why You Want to Work With an Expert Gower, MO, Theft Lawyer From Combs Waterkotte

Some attorneys will offer their clients the first plea deal they can find without pushing for better. Not Combs Waterkotte. We’re dedicated to finding the best outcome for your particular situation, whatever that looks like.

Here are some of the reasons we’re the right choice for your case:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police officer.

Your rights aren’t something to be ignored. Combs Waterkotte will fight for you, protect you, and help you navigate the legal system in Gower.

Combs Waterkotte: Experienced Theft Defense in Gower, MO

These accusations are severe. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Gower, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to schedule a private consultation.