Theft Lawyer Butler, MO

Theft Lawyer in Butler, MO. If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, stealing, or larceny in Butler, MO, the criminal justice system can move fast. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. With our Butler, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from a seasoned firm of leading criminal attorneys. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.

Page Overview:

Today, you can read about:

• How theft is defined in Butler, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• The different classifications of stealing in Butler, MO
• Stealing charges that don’t fit under Missouri’s main theft law
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte is Butler’s leading defense firm
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Butler, MO, now

What is a Theft Crime in Butler, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Butler, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Taking something that belongs to another person for yourself, including by tricking them or through means of force.
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

Depending on the alleged item stolen, how it was stolen, and its value, you could face additional charges and/or elevated penalties, which you can read about more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s critical to contact a Butler, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

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

Theft charges in Butler, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The stolen item and the method used.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. Additionally, the monetary value can change the potential penalty.

Each case is unique, and your lawyer will help you pick the best strategy for your case: 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.

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

Do the Same Laws Cover Shoplifting and Regular Theft in Butler, 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. There are many forms that people use when committing shoplifting. One example is gathering items to check out from a store, but trying to sneak some out without scanning them.

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 Butler, MO? Take These 7 Steps

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Butler, MO, can make all the difference in your case. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can lay the foundation for your future defense. Avoid talking with police, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and gather information that could help your defense.

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 Stealing Charges Lawyer — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey 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 — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research the Law — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Gather Evidence — The more information your theft lawyer has, the better.
7. Create a Defense Plan — Taking into account your story, your record, and the evidence, you can work with your attorney to decide on a strong defensive plan.

The Reasons You Need a Leading Butler, 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 some examples of the difference that a lawyer can make:

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 craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Butler, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. For the most part, 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:

• Stealing or attempting to steal 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 or stealing from an ATM.
• 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 motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A gun.
  • An explosive.
  • 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 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.

For charges of theft that don’t fit into the above categories, theft is classified as a class A misdemeanor.

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Butler, 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

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. This crime is often a form of theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is a subtype of theft crimes, specifically for those involving violence and/or threats. In Butler, MO, robbery has two specific conditions: Either the supposed victim was threatened/hurt, or the alleged perpetrator used a weapon.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is when a person misuses funds that were not their own, but they were given control over. This is different from typical theft in that the alleged perpetrator had permission to access the money, but supposedly used it improperly.

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 Butler, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In Butler, MO, credit card fraud could mean either using a fake/stolen credit/debit card, or, less commonly, lying on an application for a credit or debit card. This can include using a card that has been either cancelled or revoked.

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.

Powerful Defenses Against Stealing Charges

Theft crime defenses can rely on broad strategies, like an alibi, or property-specific strategies, like perceived ownership. Once you’ve connected with your Butler, MO, attorney, they will help you evaluate the following defense options and decide on the right approach for your case:

• Claim of Right — Claim of right applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• Actual Ownership — Actual ownership can help in cases where someone is accused of stealing something but actually has ownership rights.
• 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 — Particularly effective in shoplifting cases where a person forgot to add an item to their cart, rather than intentionally stealing it.
• 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 — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• 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.

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 Combs Waterkotte is Butler, MO’s Leading Theft Defense Law Firm

If you’ve been accused of theft in Butler, 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.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Drawing on former experience as a district attorney, we can expertly evaluate the case against you.
• We treat you like a person, not a case number.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

When your freedom is on the line, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal help. Combs Waterkotte can provide you with just that.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Get help from a theft lawyer in Butler, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to set up a no-strings consultation.