Theft Lawyer Platte Woods, MO

Theft Lawyer in Platte Woods, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Platte Woods, MO. You could be facing years in prison. On your own, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for you. With our Platte Woods, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from a seasoned group of premier criminal attorneys. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Page Overview:

On this page, you can learn about:

• What constitutes stealing in Platte Woods, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• The different classifications of stealing in Platte Woods, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Platte Woods, MO, now

What is a Theft Crime in Platte Woods, MO?

For a definition of theft in Platte Woods, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Platte Woods:

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. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which we will cover in more detail below. Regardless, it’s essential to call a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why Platte Woods, MO, Theft Accusations Are Different From Other Criminal Charges

Theft charges in Platte Woods, MO, are distinct for two reasons: 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 cost of the lost property can also play a role.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: In some cases, your criminal defense attorney will contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. Other times, your lawyer may argue that you were unaware and did not intend to commit theft.

In many cases, theft crime convictions are enhanced specifically by prior convictions for stealing offenses.

Do the Same Laws Cover Shoplifting and Regular Theft in Platte Woods, 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. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

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

Theft arrests in Platte Woods, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Stay silent, reach out to your attorney, and collect information that could help your defense.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Plead the Fifth — Respectuflly state “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Call Your Lawyer — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Obey Release Conditions — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your Platte Woods, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research Your Case — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Looking at the totality of your case, your lawyer can recommend the best way forward.

Why You Need an Experienced Platte Woods, 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.

Here are places where the right attorney can make all the difference:

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Platte Woods, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. For the most part, the biggest risk factors are the value of the item and your prior criminal record. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Platte Woods, MO:

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, with a prior livestock theft conviction.
• 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 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.
• Any alleged thefts wherein the supposed offender has had three prior stealing convictions, on separate occasions, within the last 10 years.
• 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 considered a class A misdemeanor.

Similar and Related Charges Your Platte Woods, MO Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Platte Woods, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. 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. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is a subtype of theft crimes, specifically for those involving violence and/or threats. In Platte Woods, MO, If a weapon was used, a victim was hurt, or the supposed perpetrator made violent threats, the crime would count as robbery.

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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. To be found guilty of identity theft in Platte Woods, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud isn’t just one activity in Platte Woods, MO. It could be stealing and using someone else’s credit card without permission, using false information on an application for a debit card, or continuing to use a card after it has been revoked.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Combs Waterkotte’s stealing charges lawyers offer expert criminal defense for all of the above allegations. In the meantime, you can review our total guide to theft charges in Missouri to learn more.

Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Theft Accusations

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 could be argued if there is evidence to show that you were allowed to take/use the property, even if it wasn’t yours.
• Actual Ownership — Actual ownership can help in cases where someone is accused of stealing something but actually has ownership rights.
• 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 — It’s possible that you took something that didn’t belong to you by accident; in that case, you did not have any intent to steal.
• Necessity — A theft charge may be eligible for a necessity defense. For example, if you came across someone dying of thirst, stealing water may be excused as necessity (depending on the specific circumstances).
• 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 the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

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.

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Theft Defense Attorney

If you’ve been accused of theft in Platte Woods, MO, finding the right defense attorney is a critical decision. But with over 100 years of combined legal experience and over 10,000 clients’ cases handled, we think the answer is clear: Combs Waterkotte.

This is why you should choose us to defend your case:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• 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 you call Combs Waterkotte, you’re in good hands from day one. Our team is dedicated to our clients and prepared to fight for your freedom.

Our Platte Woods, MO, Theft Lawyers Are Available 24/7

These accusations are severe. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Contact a theft lawyer in Platte Woods, MO, today by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to arrange a private consultation.