Theft Lawyer Ivanhoe, MO

Theft Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Ivanhoe, MO. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. On your own, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. With our Ivanhoe, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from a seasoned team of premier criminal attorneys. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Page Overview:

Below, you can learn about:

• What constitutes stealing in Ivanhoe, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• 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 Combs Waterkotte is Ivanhoe’s leading defense firm
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO, now

How Does Ivanhoe, MO, Define Theft?

For a definition of theft in Ivanhoe, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Ivanhoe:

1. Taking something that belongs to another person for yourself, including by tricking them or through means of force.
2. Any attempts to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen as described above (successful or unsuccessful).
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

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 discuss in more detail below. But whatever you’ve been accused of, it’s essential to contact a stealing charges lawyer who can help you understand the potential penalties.

What Sets Ivanhoe, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Ivanhoe, MO: The type of property taken 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 contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. Other times, your lawyer may argue that you were unaware and did not intend to commit theft.

In many cases, theft crime convictions are enhanced specifically by prior convictions for stealing offenses.

Is Shoplifting Included in § 570.030 RSMo?

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

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as “retail theft,” is the stealing of merchandise from a store during 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. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Stealing

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Ivanhoe, MO, don’t panic. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Plead the fifth, request your lawyer, and collect information that could help your defense.

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. Call Your Stealing Charges Lawyer — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Obey Release Conditions — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research Your Case — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Gather Evidence — Anything related to your case could be helpful.
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 Role of Your Ivanhoe, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Ivanhoe, MO, justice system alone. With an experienced theft lawyer, you’re getting insights and support every step of the way.

When you work with an attorney, the difference can be night and day:

Get help against these charges now. A lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the best outcome possible. Call now to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Ivanhoe, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. For the most part, the biggest risk factors are the value of the item and your prior criminal record. 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:

• Stealing or attempting to steal 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 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 motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • 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.
• 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 was not named above, is valued at 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.

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Ivanhoe, 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

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. 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 Ivanhoe, 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 when a person misuses funds that were not their own, but they were given control over. This is different from typical theft in that the alleged perpetrator had permission to access the money, but supposedly used it improperly.

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

Credit card fraud covers a wide range of actions in Ivanhoe, MO, including misusing a credit card (often fake or cancelled ones), and lying on credit card applications.

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.

Defenses Our Attorneys Use Against Theft Accusations

When considering defenses for your case, be sure to examine theft-specific options, like ownership and claim of right. 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — If the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

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

If you’ve been accused of theft in Ivanhoe, 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.

When you work with us, you’re taking advantage of the following benefits:

• 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 don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• You get help building your case from a former law enforcement officer.

When your freedom is on the line, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal help. Combs Waterkotte can provide you with just that.

Talk to Your Ivanhoe, MO, Theft Lawyer Now

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Speak with a theft lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to arrange a confidential consult.