Theft Lawyer Freeman, MO

Theft Lawyer in Freeman, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Freeman, MO. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. If you’re alone, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for you. If you need a Freeman, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts has your back. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.

Page Overview:

Today, you can learn about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• 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 a Theft Crime in Freeman, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Freeman:

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.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which we will cover in more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s essential to get in touch with a Freeman, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

What Sets Freeman, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Theft charges in Freeman, 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. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Both of these factors can drastically affect defensive strategies: In some cases, your criminal defense attorney will show evidence that the allegedly stolen property is of a lesser value than the prosecution is stating. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Freeman, 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. There are several different forms of shoplifting: One example is switching the price tags on two items to reduce how much you have to pay.

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 Freeman, MO

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Freeman, MO, don’t panic. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Avoid talking with police, reach out to your attorney, and put together anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to set yourself up for a positive outcome:

1. Plead the Fifth — You cannot be forced to testify against yourself: Invoke the Fifth Amendment and stay silent.
2. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
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 Your Freeman, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — 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 — The more information your theft lawyer has, the better.
7. Create a Defense Plan — 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 Reasons You Need a Leading Freeman, MO, Theft Lawyer

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

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Contact our team now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Freeman, MO

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. 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, 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 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.
• 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 fits none of the above categories, is valued at 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 considered a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

Most theft charges in Freeman, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

Burglary

In Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO, 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 unique in that it doesn’t necessarily stealing money or a physical object, and instead another person’s identifying information. To be found guilty of identity theft in Freeman, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

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

Whatever you’re up against, our stealing charges lawyers are ready to defend you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Theft Accusations

If you’re facing a theft charge in Freeman, 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 applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• 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 — 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 — 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 is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• 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.

Fighting a case requires more than just the right defensive strategy. It also takes a larceny defense attorney who knows how to use it. At Combs Waterkotte, we’re prepared to explore every option to defend against your charges.

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

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 keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police 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.

Get Help Fighting Theft Charges in Freeman, MO, Today

These accusations are severe. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Call a theft lawyer in Freeman, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to schedule a no-strings consult.