Theft Lawyer Dearborn, MO

Theft Lawyer in Dearborn, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Dearborn, MO. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. Without help, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Dearborn, MO, and you can find the right one in our firm. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you can read about:

• The key elements of theft in Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• Why you should choose Combs Waterkotte for your defense
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is Theft in Dearborn, MO?

The majority of theft accusations in Dearborn, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Dearborn, MO:

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or threats).
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving/selling stolen goods.

Depending on the alleged item stolen, how it was stolen, and its value, you could face additional charges and/or elevated penalties, which we will cover in more detail below. Regardless, it’s essential to get in touch with a Dearborn, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

What Sets Dearborn, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Theft charges in Dearborn, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The type of property taken and how it was allegedly done.

The specific consequences you could be facing depend on the type of property that was supposedly taken. 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, the right defense strategy is to review conversations with the owner and show that you had permission to use the item.

Prior stealing convictions can also play a role in Dearborn, MO, theft crime penalties.

Is Shoplifting Included in § 570.030 RSMo?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in Dearborn, MO.

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. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

7 Steps to Take If You’re Accused of Larceny

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Dearborn, MO, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can lay the foundation for your future defense. Avoid talking with police, reach out to your attorney, and gather anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to protect your future:

1. Plead the Fifth — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Contact a Defense Attorney — The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have an attorney during judicial proceedings. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.
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 — An expert attorney can help you research the law and interpret it.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your Dearborn, 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 Role of Your Dearborn, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Dearborn, 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. As Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, 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. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Dearborn, MO:

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, 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 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 motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive.
  • 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 before it reaches the recipient.

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.

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

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

Most theft charges in Dearborn, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. For example, embezzlement is a form of stealing in which the supposed offender had legitimate access to the money. This is different from general theft, which normally presumes the supposed offender did not have prior access.

Burglary

In Dearborn, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. 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

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 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 law also specifies an intent aspect: Identity theft must be done with the intention to commit theft.

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

If you need a stealing charges lawyer, call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. If you want to learn more about these individual charges, check out our ultimate guide to theft crimes in Missouri.

Defensive Strategies to Combat Stealing Charges in Dearborn, MO

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 — 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 — Part of the prosecution’s job is to prove you intended to steal an item. If we can disprove that, lack of intent is a valid defense strategy.
• Necessity — Sometimes theft is committed to prevent greater harm; for example, stealing medical supplies to help someone who’s been injured.
• Alibi — An alibi shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• 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 — If the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

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

What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Theft Defense Lawyers Apart

If you’ve been accused of theft in Dearborn, 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 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 are client-centered, and always have a team member available.
• We won’t settle for a sub-par plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready.
• We are known for providing high-quality service.
• 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 Dearborn.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Talk to a theft lawyer in Dearborn, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to plan a confidential consult.