Theft Lawyer Lawson, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lawson, MO. If someone accuses you of theft in Lawson, MO, you need to act immediately. You could be facing years in prison. On your own, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. With our Lawson, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from an experienced group of premier criminal attorneys. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you will read about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is a Theft Crime in Lawson, MO?

The majority of theft accusations in Lawson, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Taking someone else’s property and not planning to give it back, either without their permission, by tricking them, or by threatening them.
2. Any attempts to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen as described above (successful or unsuccessful).
3. Receiving/selling stolen goods.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which you can read about more detail below. Regardless, you need to call a Lawson, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

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

Theft charges in Lawson, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The stolen item and how it was allegedly done.

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, the right defense strategy is to review conversations with the owner and show that you had permission to use the item.

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

Do the Same Laws Cover Shoplifting and Regular Theft in Lawson, MO?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Lawson, MO. Because Missouri does not have a separate law for shoplifting, it falls under the same statute as standard theft.

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. 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

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Lawson, MO, don’t panic. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and gather anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. 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 — Contact an attorney as soon as possible: It’s your right to have expert help for your case.
3. Obey Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Tell Your Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research the Law — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your Lawson, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Decide on a Defense — Looking at the totality of your case, your lawyer can recommend the best way forward.

The Role of Your Lawson, MO, Theft Lawyer

Whether you’ve just been arrested or have a trial coming up fast, getting a defense attorney on your side should be your top priority. They can protect you in interrogations, at pretrial hearings, and all the way through sentencing and appeals.

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

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. As Lawson, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. Call today to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lawson, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. 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:

• 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, 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 item stolen 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.
• 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 was not named above, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

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

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Lawson, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. Burglary is a good example: Breaking into a home is burglary, but stealing a TV from it is theft. Thus, the two separate charges would likely both be filed.

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 the term used for violent theft. In Lawson, 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 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 specifically requires that the alleged perpetrator does so with the intent to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

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

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.

Defensive Strategies to Combat Stealing Charges in Lawson, MO

When considering defenses for your case, be sure to examine theft-specific options, like ownership and claim of right. The examples listed below are some of the strong defensive options that our lawyers will consider for your case:

• 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 — Actual ownership can help in cases where someone is accused of stealing something but actually has ownership rights.
• Perceived Ownership — If you have strong records to show your honest belief that you owned an item, this can be used to deny that you had intent to commit theft.
• 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 — 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 — Alibi is often the strongest defense in criminal cases, as it shows that you physically could not have been the offender.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• Lack of Evidence — At the end of the day, it’s on the prosecution to prove that you’re guilty. If their case is weak, your attorney will demonstrate 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.

Your larceny defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case.

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

If you’ve been accused of theft in Lawson, 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 are some of the reasons we’re the right choice for your case:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• 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.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• 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.

Combs Waterkotte: Experienced Theft Defense in Lawson, MO

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. When you call Combs Waterkotte, we’re committed to protecting you from negative outcomes.

Contact a theft lawyer in Lawson, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to set up a confidential consult with one of our team members.