Theft Lawyer Buckner, MO

Theft Lawyer in Buckner, MO. You can’t underestimate Buckner, MO, theft or larceny charges. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. If you’re alone, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Your Buckner, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – 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:

• How theft is defined in Buckner, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Buckner, MO
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• How to get a hold of a theft lawyer today

How Does Buckner, MO, Define Theft?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. Under it, any of the following actions counts as larceny:

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or threats).
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.

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

What Sets Buckner, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

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

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: 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 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.

Does § 570.030 RSMo Include Shoplifting?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Buckner, MO. Because Missouri does not have a separate law for shoplifting, it falls under the same statute as standard theft.

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as “retail theft,” is the stealing of merchandise from a store during regular business hours. There are several different forms of shoplifting: One example is switching the price tags on two items to reduce how much you have to pay.

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.

Accused of Theft in Buckner, MO? Take These 7 Steps

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Buckner, 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 position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Plead the fifth, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and put together evidence that can support your defense.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

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. Contact a Defense Attorney — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Obey Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Tell Your Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — 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 — An expert attorney can help you research the law and interpret it.
6. Gather 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.

Why You Need an Experienced Buckner, 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 Buckner, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Contact our team now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Buckner, MO

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. 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:

• 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, regardless of criminal record.
• 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 item stolen was:
  • A motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive weapon.
  • A United States national 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 before it reaches the recipient.

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 classified as a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

Most theft charges in Buckner, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. 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

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

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 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 Buckner, 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

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.

Strong Defenses Against Stealing Charges

If you’re facing a theft charge in Buckner, MO, you need a proven defensive strategy to protect your freedom. Working with the right defense attorney means that you’ll get expert advice on how to approach your defense:

• Claim of Right — Claim of right applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• 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 — 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 — If you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the theft, that alibi can save you in court.
• Mistaken Identity — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• Lack of Evidence — Sometimes, the state fails to make its case in a convincing manner. Your defense lawyer can show off the flaws in the case.
• 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 larceny defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case.

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 Buckner, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

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

• Drawing on former experience as a district attorney, we can expertly evaluate the case against you.
• We keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police officer.

Your rights aren’t something to be ignored. Combs Waterkotte will fight for you, protect you, and help you navigate the legal system in Buckner.

Accused of Theft in Buckner, MO? Talk to a Defense Attorney Right Away

These accusations are severe. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Buckner, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to schedule a free case review.