Theft Lawyer Pleasant Hill, MO

Theft Lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Pleasant Hill, MO. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. On your own, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. If you need a Pleasant Hill, MO, theft lawyer, our firm of criminal defense experts has your back. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you will read about:

• How theft is defined in Pleasant Hill, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• The different classifications of stealing in Pleasant Hill, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte is Pleasant Hill’s leading defense firm
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO, now

What is a Theft Crime in Pleasant Hill, MO?

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

1. Taking someone else’s property and not planning to give it back, either without their permission, by tricking them, or by threatening them.
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

This law can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on many factors, which you can read about more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s always important to contact a Pleasant Hill, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

What Sets Pleasant Hill, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Pleasant Hill, MO: The type of property taken 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 value of the item can also play a factor.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Pleasant Hill, MO?

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

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. Shoplifting can take various forms. One example is hiding an item inside of a different container, in order to avoid scanning it at checkout.

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.

Accused of Theft in Pleasant Hill, MO? Take These 7 Steps

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Pleasant Hill, MO, don’t panic. Most people don’t know what to do, but if you take the right steps, you can lay the foundation for your future defense. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and put together 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 Lawyer — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey Court Orders — You don’t want to go back to jail before your trial, so keep in line with any court orders.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research the Law — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Gather 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.

The Reasons You Need a Leading Pleasant Hill, MO, Theft Lawyer

Whether you’ve just been arrested or have a trial coming up fast, getting a defense attorney on your side should be your top priority. They can protect you in interrogations, at pretrial hearings, and all the way through sentencing and appeals.

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

Get help against these charges now. As Pleasant Hill, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Call today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. In general, 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:

• Steal anhydrous ammonia, specifically within a storage container.

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 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 stolen property was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A gun.
  • 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.
• Any alleged thefts wherein the supposed offender has had three prior stealing convictions, on separate occasions, within the last 10 years.
• Stealing mail before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that was not named above, is worth 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

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Pleasant Hill, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. Charges like burglary are often levied alongside stealing/larceny, while identity theft is more likely to be treated as a separate offense.

Burglary

In Pleasant Hill, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

Robbery

Robbery is a subtype of theft crimes, specifically for those involving violence and/or threats. In Missouri, 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 typically a white-collar crime. Instead of a person taking property that wasn’t theirs from another, under embezzlement, a person who has legitimate access to valuables misuses them.

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. To be found guilty of identity theft in Pleasant Hill, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it 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

If you need a stealing charges lawyer, call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. 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

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. 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 — 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 — 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 — If you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the theft, that alibi can save you in court.
• Mistaken Identity — Thefts can happen fast and be traumatic for the victim. It’s possible that they identified the wrong person as the offender.
• 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 — The state needs to follow the rules when investigating crimes. When they break those rules, we can file motions to suppress the evidence.

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 You Want to Work With an Expert Pleasant Hill, MO, Theft Lawyer From Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve been accused of theft in Pleasant Hill, 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.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• You get help building your case from a former law enforcement officer.

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 Pleasant Hill, MO, Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. The defense you build now could make all the difference for your life. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Call a theft lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a no-strings case review.