Theft Lawyer Edgerton, MO

Theft Lawyer in Edgerton, MO. If someone accuses you of theft in Edgerton, MO, you need to act immediately. 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. With our Edgerton, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from an experienced firm of premier criminal attorneys. You deserve a top-quality defense – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

Below, you will learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Edgerton, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• The different classifications of stealing in Edgerton, MO
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Edgerton, MO, now

What Counts as Theft in Edgerton, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Edgerton, 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. 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 we will discuss in more detail below. But whatever you’ve been accused of, it’s critical to work with a Edgerton, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why You Need to Treat Theft Charges in Edgerton, MO, Differently

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The stolen item 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.

Both of these factors can drastically affect defensive strategies: In some cases, 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. 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.

What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Stealing

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Edgerton, 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 set up your case for a positive outcome. Stay silent, request your lawyer, and collect anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Call Your Lawyer — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — If you are granted pretrial release, it’s important to obey all requirements.
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 — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Search for Evidence — Anything related to your case could be helpful.
7. Decide on a Defense — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

Why You Need an Experienced Edgerton, MO, Theft Lawyer

It’s essential to work with a theft lawyer in Edgerton, MO, who knows your charges and the best way to respond to them. They can provide valuable insights and advocate for you at many stages in the justice process..

Here are some examples of the difference that a lawyer can make:

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Edgerton, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. 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 is a breakdown of why a theft accusation could fit into a given category:

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 an ATM, or anything inside one.
• 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 motor vehicle.
  • 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 from someone’s mailbox.

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

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Edgerton, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. 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 Edgerton, 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 Edgerton, MO, 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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. Missouri specifically requires that the alleged perpetrator does so with the intent to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In Edgerton, 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.

Possible Defenses to Stealing Accusations in Edgerton, 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 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 — Necessity can be used to excuse what is normally a criminal action. For theft, this might look like stealing a jacket from a store in order to survive snowy weather.
• Alibi — An alibi is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• 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

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

This is why you should choose us to defend your case:

• Our team includes a former prosecutor who can give insights on how the state builds its case against you.
• We treat you like a person, not a case number.
• 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.
• 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 Edgerton.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

Theft charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Edgerton, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to set up a private consultation.