Theft Lawyer Adrian, MO

Theft Lawyer in Adrian, MO. You can’t underestimate Adrian, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. If you’re alone, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. Your Adrian, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will listen to your story, research your case, and build a strong defense. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Adrian, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• The different classifications of stealing in Adrian, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Tactics that have proven effective in many theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is a Theft Crime in Adrian, MO?

The majority of theft accusations in Adrian, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. Under it, any of the following actions counts as larceny:

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. 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.

This law can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on many factors, which you can read about more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s always important to contact a stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

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

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The stolen item 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.

Your defense strategy might focus on the supposed method of theft, or on the item itself: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will show evidence that the allegedly stolen property is of a lesser value than the prosecution is stating. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Is Shoplifting Included in § 570.030 RSMo?

Missouri uses the same law (§ 570.030 RSMo) to define both shoplifting and most other forms of theft.

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. 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.

What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Stealing

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Adrian, MO, can make all the difference in your case. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Plead the fifth, reach out to your attorney, and gather evidence that can support your defense.

Follow these steps to set yourself up for a positive outcome:

1. Remain Silent — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Call Your Stealing Charges Lawyer — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — You don’t want to go back to jail before your trial, so keep in line with any court orders.
4. Be Honest With Your Attorney — Don’t keep anything from your attorney regarding your case. They can help you best when they know the full story.
5. Research Your Case — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Search for Evidence — The more information your theft lawyer has, the better.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Taking into account your story, your record, and the evidence, you can work with your attorney to decide on a strong defensive plan.

The Role of Your Adrian, 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.

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

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Adrian, MO

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

In any other cases, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

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

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Adrian, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

Burglary

In Adrian, 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 the term used for violent theft. In Adrian, MO, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

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 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 Adrian, 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 Adrian, 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

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 crime defenses can rely on broad strategies, like an alibi, or property-specific strategies, like perceived ownership. 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 — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• Perceived Ownership — Perceived ownership defenses can occur if a person honestly believed they had ownership rights of something, even if they didn’t. This can be challenging to prove.
• 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 — 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 — If you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the theft, that alibi can save you in court.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• 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.

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.

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

Combs Waterkotte is Adrian, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm. Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has handled over 10,000 cases — many of them theft cases, just like yours. We are dedicated to our clients and make sure we are always available to help.

When you work with us, you’re taking advantage of the following benefits:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We won’t settle for a sub-par plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police officer.

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

Get Help Fighting Theft Charges in Adrian, MO, Today

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Adrian, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to plan a no-strings consult with one of our team members.