Theft Lawyer Lake Winnebago, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO. You can’t underestimate Lake Winnebago, MO, theft or larceny charges. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for you. Your Lake Winnebago, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will read about:

• What constitutes stealing in Lake Winnebago, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• The different classifications of stealing in Lake Winnebago, MO
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Tactics that have proven effective in many theft cases
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How to get started building your defense today

What is a Theft Crime in Lake Winnebago, MO?

The majority of theft accusations in Lake Winnebago, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Lake Winnebago, MO:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
2. Any attempts to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen as described above (successful or unsuccessful).
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

The exact misdemeanor or felony class you’re facing depends on what was allegedly taken and how, which you can read about more detail below. Regardless, it’s essential to work with a Lake Winnebago, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

What Makes Theft Crimes Different From Other Lake Winnebago, MO, Criminal Charges?

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The type of property taken and how it was allegedly done.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. Additionally, the monetary value can change the potential penalty.

Both of these factors can drastically affect defensive strategies: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could be built around ownership confusion.

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

Does § 570.030 RSMo Include Shoplifting?

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

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as “retail theft,” is the stealing of merchandise from a store during 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 Steps to Take If You’re Accused of Larceny

Theft arrests in Lake Winnebago, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Stay silent, 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. 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. Contact a Defense Attorney — In addition to the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney. Contact one as quickly 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 Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — 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 — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Gather Evidence — Evidence can help your Lake Winnebago, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Create a Defense Plan — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

The Role of Your Lake Winnebago, MO, Theft Lawyer

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

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

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Contact our team today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lake Winnebago, MO

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. 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:

• 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, regardless of criminal record.
• 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 a shoplifting ring.

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 item stolen was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive weapon.
  • 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 fits none of the above categories, is valued at less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

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

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

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

Robbery

Robbery is the term used for violent theft. In Lake Winnebago, 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 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 Lake Winnebago, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In Lake Winnebago, 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

If you need a stealing charges lawyer, call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. 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 Lake Winnebago, MO

If you’re facing a theft charge in Lake Winnebago, 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 — Taking an item is only theft if you didn’t own it. If you did, this can be your defense.
• 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 — 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 shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• Lack of Evidence — You are presumed innocent until found guilty, and if the prosecution’s case against you is unconvincing, your lawyer can highlight its flaws.
• Evidentiary Issues — If the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

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

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 are some of the reasons we’re the right choice for your case:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• 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.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

When you are facing theft accusations, you need an experienced stealing charges lawyer to protect your freedom. You need Combs Waterkotte.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential consult with one of our team members.