Theft Lawyer Lathrop, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, stealing, or larceny in Lathrop, MO, the criminal justice system can move fast. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. Your Lathrop, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will listen to your story, research your case, and build a strong defense. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you will read about:

• The key elements of theft in Lathrop, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• The different classifications of stealing in Lathrop, MO
• Stealing charges that don’t fit under Missouri’s main theft law
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is a Theft Crime in Lathrop, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Lathrop, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Lathrop, MO:

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 you can read about more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s critical to call a stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

Why Lathrop, MO, Theft Accusations Are Different From Other Criminal Charges

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Lathrop, MO: The type of property taken and the method used.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. The cost of the lost property can also play a role.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: Sometimes, 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.

Theft crime penalties in Lathrop, MO, are also affected by the defendant’s criminal record.

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Lathrop, MO?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in Lathrop, 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

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Lathrop, MO, can make all the difference in your case. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and collect anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

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 Stealing Charges Lawyer — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Tell Your Lathrop, 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. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — 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 Lathrop, 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:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Contact our team today to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lathrop, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. In general, the biggest risk factors are the value of the item and your prior criminal record. Below, we’ve listed the different possible penalty classes for theft under § 570.030 RSMo, and what qualifies for each:

Class A Felony Theft:

• Steal anhydrous ammonia, specifically within a storage container.

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, 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 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 gun.
  • 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 from someone’s mailbox.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that fits none of the above categories, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

For charges of theft that don’t fit into the above categories, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Similar and Related Charges Your Lathrop, MO Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Lathrop, 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. 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 Missouri, If a weapon was used, a victim was hurt, or the supposed perpetrator made violent threats, the crime would count as robbery.

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 not always a form of physical theft, and instead can just involve the taking of another person’s identifying information, so that you could impersonate them. 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 Lathrop, 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. In the meantime, you can review our total guide to theft charges in Missouri to learn more.

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. 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 could be argued if there is evidence to show that you were allowed to take/use the property, even if it wasn’t yours.
• Actual Ownership — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• 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 — 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 shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• 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 — Motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence can undermine the strength of a prosecutor’s case.

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 You Want to Work With an Expert Lathrop, MO, Theft Lawyer From Combs Waterkotte

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

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We are client-centered, and always have a team member available.
• 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.

Your rights aren’t something to be ignored. Combs Waterkotte will fight for you, protect you, and help you navigate the legal system in Lathrop.

Fight Your Theft Charges. Contact Combs Waterkotte Now

These accusations are severe. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Contact a theft lawyer in Lathrop, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to schedule a confidential case review.