Theft Lawyer Lake Lotawana, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Lake Lotawana, MO. You could be facing years in prison. If you’re alone, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for you. If you need a Lake Lotawana, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts has your back. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.

Page Overview:

Today, you will learn about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO, now

What is a Theft Crime in Lake Lotawana, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Lake Lotawana:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
2. Trying to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen that does not belong to you, whether or not you succeed.
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

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 critical to work with a Lake Lotawana, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why You Need to Treat Theft Charges in Lake Lotawana, MO, Differently

Theft charges in Lake Lotawana, MO, are distinct for two reasons: What was stolen and what the perpetrator supposedly did to take it.

The stolen property could be anything from a firearm to an animal, and Missouri sets different penalties for certain specified items. The cost of the lost property can also play a role.

Each case is unique, and your lawyer will help you pick the best strategy for your case: In some cases, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Lake Lotawana, MO?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in Lake Lotawana, MO.

Shoplifting is distinguished from other forms of theft based on what is stolen and when: It includes items for sale being taken from a store, during its regular business hours. There are many forms that people use when committing shoplifting. One example is gathering items to check out from a store, but trying to sneak some out without scanning them.

Some other states have dedicated shoplifting laws. In these states, shoplifting is often treated similarly to Missouri, with a variety of penalties depending on the type of items allegedly stolen and their value.

7 Steps to Take If You’re Accused of Larceny

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Lake Lotawana, MO, don’t panic. Most people don’t know what to do, but if you take the right steps, you can position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and collect information that could help your defense.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Exercise Your Right to 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. Contact a Defense Attorney — In addition to the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney. Contact one as quickly as possible.
3. Obey 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 — You don’t need to hold back when talking with your lawyer. They can help you best if they know everything.
5. Research the Law — An expert attorney can help you research the law and interpret it.
6. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Now that you understand the charges and can review the evidence, it’s time for you and your attorney to pick a defense plan.

How Your Theft Lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO, Will Help Your Case

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

Here are some examples of the difference that a lawyer can make:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. A lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the best outcome possible. Call now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lake Lotawana, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. For the most part, 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:

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

Class B Felony Theft:

• General theft and attempted theft of 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 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 item stolen was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive.
  • 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 was not named above, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

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

Similar and Related Charges Your Lake Lotawana, MO Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Lake Lotawana, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. Burglary is a good example: Breaking into a home is burglary, but stealing a TV from it is theft. Thus, the two separate charges would likely both be filed.

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 subtype of theft crimes, specifically for those involving violence and/or threats. In Lake Lotawana, MO, robbery has two specific conditions: Either the supposed victim was threatened/hurt, or the alleged perpetrator used a weapon.

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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. Missouri specifically requires that the alleged perpetrator does so with the intent to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit and debit card fraud cover a variety of activities: Using a fake card, stealing and using a card, using a cancled card, and lying on an application for a card.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Contact your Lake Lotawana, MO stealing charges lawyer from Combs Waterkotte to learn more about these charges today. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Effective Defenses Against Stealing Charges

If you’re facing a theft charge in Lake Lotawana, MO, you need a proven defensive strategy to protect your freedom. 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 — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• Perceived Ownership — Because larceny relies on an intent aspect, claiming that you believed the item was yours can prove an effective defense.
• Lack of Intent — Part of the prosecution’s job is to prove you intended to steal an item. If we can disprove that, lack of intent is a valid defense strategy.
• Necessity — Necessity can be used to excuse what is normally a criminal action. For theft, this might look like stealing a jacket from a store in order to survive snowy weather.
• Alibi — An alibi shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• Lack of Evidence — In some cases, the prosecution fails to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense attorney can highlight this.
• Evidentiary Issues — If key evidence was obtained illegally or did not follow chain of custody rules, it can be challenged and thrown out.

Your case is unique, and while these defense strategies can make a good base, your larceny defense lawyer will help build your case on top of it.

What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Theft Defense Lawyers Apart

Our firm is ready to take your case. It doesn’t matter what you’re accused of, what the evidence is, or where you’re at in the justice process. You need an experienced Lake Lotawana, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We are client-centered, and always have a team member available.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

When you are facing theft accusations, you need an experienced stealing charges lawyer to protect your freedom. You need Combs Waterkotte.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to set up a no-strings consultation.