Theft Lawyer East Side KC, MO

Theft Lawyer in East Side KC, MO. If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, stealing, or larceny in East Side KC, MO, the criminal justice system can move fast. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. Without help, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. With our East Side KC, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from an experienced firm of leading criminal attorneys. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Page Overview:

On this page, you can learn about:

• What constitutes stealing in East Side KC, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in East Side KC, MO
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• Why you should choose Combs Waterkotte for your defense
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in East Side KC, MO, now

What is Theft in East Side KC, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in East Side KC, 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. Trying to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen that does not belong to you, whether or not you succeed.
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

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. But whatever you’re facing, it’s essential to contact a East Side KC, MO stealing charges lawyer to discuss what you’re up against.

What Sets East Side KC, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in East Side KC, MO: The type of property taken 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. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Your defense strategy might focus on the supposed method of theft, or on the item itself: In some cases, your criminal defense attorney will contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. 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 East Side KC, MO?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in East Side KC, MO.

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. 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 East Side KC, MO

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in East Side KC, 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. Stay silent, request your lawyer, and collect evidence that can support your defense.

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. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey Court Orders — You don’t want to go back to jail before your trial, so keep in line with any court orders.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — You don’t need to hold back when talking with your lawyer. They can help you best if they know everything.
5. Research Your Case — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Gather Evidence — Evidence can help your East Side KC, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Decide on a Defense — 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 East Side KC, 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 places where the right attorney can make all the difference:

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. As East Side KC, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Call today 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, you’re in more danger if you have prior theft convictions, and/or if the value of the supposedly taken property is higher. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in East Side KC, 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, with or without a prior conviction.
• 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 stolen property was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • 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.
• 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 does not have a criminal record including stealing related convictions.

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

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in East Side KC, 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

In East Side KC, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

Robbery

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

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

Credit Card Fraud

In East Side KC, 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

Combs Waterkotte’s stealing charges lawyers offer expert criminal defense for all of the above allegations. 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

When considering defenses for your case, be sure to examine theft-specific options, like ownership and claim of right. Once you’ve connected with your East Side KC, 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 — If you honestly believed you owned an item, this can sometimes excuse theft. Proving this relies on strong supporting evidence.
• 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 — 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 — If you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the theft, that alibi can save you in court.
• 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 — At the end of the day, it’s on the prosecution to prove that you’re guilty. If their case is weak, your attorney will demonstrate 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.

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 Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Theft Defense Attorney

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 East Side KC, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• We don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

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.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Contact a theft lawyer in East Side KC, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to set up a free consult with one of our team members.