Theft Lawyer Claycomo, MO

Theft Lawyer in Claycomo, MO. You can’t underestimate Claycomo, MO, theft or larceny charges. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. Without help, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. If you need a Claycomo, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts is ready for your case. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Here, you can read about:

• How theft is defined in Claycomo, MO
• What to do if you’ve been arrested for stealing
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• Missouri’s different classifications for theft, and how they are categorized
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• 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

What is a Theft Crime in Claycomo, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Claycomo, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. 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.

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’ve been accused of, it’s essential to contact a stealing charges lawyer to discuss what you’re up against.

What Sets Claycomo, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Theft charges in Claycomo, 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.

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 be built around ownership confusion.

In many cases, theft crime convictions are enhanced specifically by prior convictions for stealing offenses.

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Claycomo, MO?

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

7 Essential Steps to Take If Accused of Stealing in Claycomo, MO

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Claycomo, MO, don’t panic. Most people don’t know what to do, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Stay silent, request your lawyer, and gather 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 — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research Your Case — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Gather Evidence — Evidence can help your Claycomo, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
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 Claycomo, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Claycomo, MO, justice system alone. With an experienced theft lawyer, you’re getting insights and support every step of the way.

Here are places where the right attorney can make all the difference:

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Contact our team now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. In general, the biggest risk factors are the value of the item and your prior criminal record. Below, we’ve listed the different possible penalty classes for theft under § 570.030 RSMo, and what qualifies for each:

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, 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 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 car, boat, or airplane.
  • 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 from someone’s mailbox.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that was not named above, is valued at less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

In cases that don’t fit any of the contexts listed above, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

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

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is the term used for violent theft. 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

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 Claycomo, 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 covers a wide range of actions in Claycomo, MO, including misusing a credit card (often fake or cancelled ones), and lying on credit card applications.

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.

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. Your attorney will research your case and listen to your story, then build a defense based on a tactic like the ones below:

• Claim of Right — Claim of right can be used if you did not own the property, but believed you were allowed to use it.
• Actual Ownership — Sometimes, a theft case is no more than a property dispute. If you can show you lawfully owned the item in question, this can be one of the strongest defenses.
• Perceived Ownership — If you have strong records to show your honest belief that you owned an item, this can be used to deny that you had intent to commit theft.
• 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 — An alibi shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• Lack of Evidence — In some cases, the prosecution fails to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense attorney can highlight 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.

Whatever you’re accused of, you need a strong defense plan. A larceny defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you get there.

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

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

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.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

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

Combs Waterkotte: Experienced Theft Defense in Claycomo, MO

Theft charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. 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.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Claycomo, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to plan a confidential case review.