Theft Lawyer Concordia, MO

Theft Lawyer in Concordia, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Concordia, MO. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. Without help, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Concordia, MO, and you can find the right one in our firm. 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 will read about:

• The key elements of theft in Concordia, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• Missouri’s different classifications for theft, and how they are categorized
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How to get started building your defense today

How Does Concordia, MO, Define Theft?

For a definition of theft in Concordia, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Concordia:

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. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

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’re facing, it’s critical to call a stealing charges lawyer to discuss what you’re up against.

What Sets Concordia, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Concordia, MO: 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.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

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. Shoplifting can take various forms. One example is hiding an item inside of a different container, in order to avoid scanning it at checkout.

Some other states have dedicated shoplifting laws. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

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

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Concordia, MO, don’t panic. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Stay silent, reach out to your attorney, and put together anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent — Respectuflly state “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Contact a Defense Attorney — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Obey Court Orders — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research Your Case — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your Concordia, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

How Your Theft Lawyer in Concordia, MO, Will Help Your Case

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Concordia, 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:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Call today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Concordia, MO

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

• 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, with a prior livestock theft conviction.
• 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 a shoplifting ring.

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 car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • 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.
• Any alleged thefts wherein the supposed offender has had three prior stealing convictions, on separate occasions, within the last 10 years.
• Stealing mail from someone’s mailbox.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that fits none of the above categories, is worth 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

Most theft charges in Concordia, 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 Concordia, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. This crime is often a form of theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is a particular kind of theft, where one person uses force or threats to coerce another person into giving away their valuables. In Missouri, 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 not always a form of physical theft, and instead can just involve the taking of another person’s identifying information, so that you could impersonate them. Missouri specifically requires that the alleged perpetrator does so with the intent to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

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

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

If you need a stealing charges lawyer, call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. If you’re facing any of these related charges, you can learn more in our ultimate guide to theft crimes in Missouri.

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 Concordia, 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 is most applicable in cases involving borrowed or rented property; when you had permission to use an item, but 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 — Missouri recognizes necessity as a defense, so if you stole something in an emergency to prevent a greater harm, it may be excused.
• Alibi — An alibi shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — Thefts can happen fast and be traumatic for the victim. It’s possible that they identified the wrong person as the offender.
• 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.

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

Combs Waterkotte is Concordia, 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.

Here are some of the reasons we’re the right choice for your case:

• Our team includes a former prosecutor who can give insights on how the state builds its case against you.
• We take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• You get help building your case from a former law enforcement officer.

When you call Combs Waterkotte, you’re in good hands from day one. Our team is dedicated to our clients and prepared to fight for your freedom.

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

Theft charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. The defense you build now could make all the difference for your life. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Speak with a theft lawyer in Concordia, MO, today by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to plan a free consult with one of our team members.