2023 Missouri Revised Statutes
Title XXXVIII – Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders
Missouri Chapter 569: Offenses Against Property
Chapter 569 of the Missouri Revised Statutes outlines crimes involving damage, intrusion, or interference with someone else’s property. These include arson, trespassing, burglary, tampering, and property damage. Whether the alleged damage was intentional, reckless, or accidental, these charges can carry serious penalties—especially if force, fire, or unlawful entry is involved.
What Chapter 569 Covers
- Arson and intentional or reckless burning
- Tampering with vehicles, utilities, or computer systems
- Property damage, trespass, and criminal mischief
- Burglary, unlawful entry, and possession of burglary tools
Click any link below to explore each statute in plain English, including what the law prohibits, possible defenses, and the penalties tied to each charge.
Chapter 569 Statutes Explained
- Overview: Chapter 569 – Offenses Against Property
- § 569.040 – Arson (First Degree)
- § 569.050 – Arson (Second Degree)
- § 569.053 – Arson (Third Degree)
- § 569.055 – Knowingly Burning or Exploding
- § 569.060 – Reckless Burning or Exploding
- § 569.065 – Negligent Burning or Exploding
- § 569.080 – Tampering (First Degree)
- § 569.090 – Tampering (Second Degree)
- § 569.095 – Tampering With Computer Data
- § 569.097 – Tampering With Computer Equipment
- § 569.099 – Tampering With Computer Users
- § 569.100 – Property Damage (First Degree)
- § 569.120 – Property Damage (Second Degree)
- § 569.140 – Trespass (First Degree)
- § 569.150 – Trespass (Second Degree)
- § 569.160 – Burglary (First Degree)
- § 569.170 – Burglary (Second Degree)
- § 569.180 – Possession of Burglary Tools
- § 569.200 – Criminal Mischief
Charged With a Property Crime in Missouri?
Whether it’s a felony arson or misdemeanor trespass, a conviction for a property-related offense can seriously impact your future. Combs Waterkotte’s Missouri criminal defense attorneys help clients across the state fight these charges and avoid unnecessary jail time or criminal records. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free consultation and get the defense you deserve.
569.010. Chapter definitions.
Key words used in Missouri’s property crime laws
This section explains important terms used in the laws about trespassing, burglary, tampering, and damage to property.
1. “Cave or cavern” means any natural underground space a person can enter, like pits, wells, tunnels, or grottos, even if there’s no natural entrance.
2. “Enter unlawfully or remain unlawfully” means being on property without permission. If a place is open to the public, you’re allowed to be there unless someone with authority tells you to leave. You can’t go into off-limits areas of a partly public building.
3. “Nuclear power plant” is a facility that makes electricity using a nuclear reactor. It includes buildings or fenced areas on the property.
4. “Teller machine” refers to ATMs or similar machines that provide banking services without a person’s help. It does not include personal devices like smartphones.
5. “To tamper” means messing with something in a way that’s not allowed—like changing it, moving it, or making it unusable for a short time.
6. “Utility” includes companies that provide gas, electricity, water, sewage, internet, phone, or video services. These can be either public or private.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
