Theft Lawyer Drexel, MO

Theft Lawyer in Drexel, MO. You can’t underestimate Drexel, MO, theft or larceny charges. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. Without help, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Drexel, MO, and we’re here to provide just that. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you can learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Drexel, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Drexel, 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 Drexel’s leading defense firm
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Drexel, MO, now

What is Theft in Drexel, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through 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. Regardless, it’s essential to work with a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

What Sets Drexel, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The stolen item and the method used.

The stolen property could be anything from a firearm to an animal, and Missouri sets different penalties for certain specified items. 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 contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

Potential penalties are also affected by prior convictions (especially for other larceny offenses).

Do the Same Laws Cover Shoplifting and Regular Theft in Drexel, MO?

There is not a separate statute for shoplifting versus regular theft in Missouri — both are covered under § 570.030 RSMo.

Shoplifting is distinguished from other forms of theft based on what is stolen and when: It includes items for sale being taken from a store, during its regular business hours. 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. 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.

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

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Drexel, 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 position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Avoid talking with police, reach out to your attorney, and put together evidence that can support your defense.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. Plead the Fifth — 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 Lawyer — The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have an attorney during judicial proceedings. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Be Honest With Your Attorney — 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. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Now that you understand the charges and can review the evidence, it’s time for you and your attorney to pick a defense plan.

The Role of Your Drexel, 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.

Your rights get an added layer of protection when you work with an attorney:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. As Drexel, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Contact our team today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Drexel, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. For the most part, 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:

• 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, with at least two prior theft-related convictions within 10 years, on separate occasions.
• 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 item stolen was:
  • A motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A gun.
  • 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 before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

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

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

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

Most theft charges in Drexel, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. 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. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

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

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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. To be found guilty of identity theft in Drexel, 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 isn’t just one activity in Drexel, MO. It could be stealing and using someone else’s credit card without permission, using false information on an application for a debit card, or continuing to use a card after it has been revoked.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Contact your Drexel, MO stealing charges lawyer from Combs Waterkotte to learn more about these charges today. If you want to learn more about these individual charges, check out our ultimate guide to theft crimes in Missouri.

Defensive Strategies Against Stealing Charges in Drexel, MO

If you’re facing a theft charge in Drexel, 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 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 — 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 — Sometimes theft is committed to prevent greater harm; for example, stealing medical supplies to help someone who’s been injured.
• 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 — 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 — If key evidence was obtained illegally or did not follow chain of custody rules, it can be challenged and thrown out.

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

Some attorneys will offer their clients the first plea deal they can find without pushing for better. Not Combs Waterkotte. We’re dedicated to finding the best outcome for your particular situation, whatever that looks like.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 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.
• We won’t settle for a sub-par plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

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

Our Drexel, MO, Theft Lawyers Are Available 24/7

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Get help from a theft lawyer in Drexel, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to schedule a no-strings consult with one of our team members.