Theft Lawyer Lexington, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lexington, MO. If someone accuses you of theft in Lexington, MO, you need to act immediately. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Lexington, MO, and we’re here to provide just that. You deserve a top-quality defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Lexington, MO
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• Missouri’s different classifications for theft, and how they are categorized
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Lexington, MO, now

What is Theft in Lexington, MO?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Lexington, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Lexington:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
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 always important to work with a stealing charges lawyer to discuss what you’re up against.

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

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The type of property taken and the method used.

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

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

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

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

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

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. The supposed perpetrator will often hide the item(s) while pretending to shop, then leave the store without paying for it. For example, a grocery customer might sneak a candy bar into their pocket and only pay for their other groceries when checking out.

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 Steps to Take If You’re Accused of Larceny

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Lexington, MO, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress. 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, get in touch with your lawyer, and gather evidence that can support your defense.

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

1. Remain Silent — Respectuflly state “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have an attorney during judicial proceedings. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.
3. Obey Release Conditions — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your Lexington, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research Your Case — An expert attorney can help you research the law and interpret it.
6. Gather Evidence — The more information your theft lawyer has, the better.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — 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 Lexington, MO, Theft Lawyer

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

Your rights get an added layer of protection when you work with an attorney:

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lexington, 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. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Lexington, MO:

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, 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, 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 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 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.
• 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 does not have a criminal record including stealing related convictions.

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

Most theft charges in Lexington, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. 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 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 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 Lexington, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud covers a wide range of actions in Lexington, 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’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 Lexington, MO

If you’re facing a theft charge in Lexington, MO, you need a proven defensive strategy to protect your freedom. Once you’ve connected with your Lexington, MO, attorney, they will help you evaluate the following defense options and decide on the right approach 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 honestly believed you owned an item, this can sometimes excuse theft. Proving this relies on strong supporting evidence.
• Lack of Intent — Particularly effective in shoplifting cases where a person forgot to add an item to their cart, rather than intentionally stealing it.
• Necessity — Sometimes theft is committed to prevent greater harm; for example, stealing medical supplies to help someone who’s been injured.
• Alibi — An alibi shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — Thefts can happen fast and be traumatic for the victim. It’s possible that they identified the wrong person as the offender.
• Lack of Evidence — In some cases, the prosecution fails to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense attorney can highlight 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.

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

Combs Waterkotte is Lexington, MO’s leading criminal defense law firm. Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has handled over 10,000 cases — many of them theft cases, just like yours. We are dedicated to our clients and make sure we are always available to help.

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 take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• 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.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

Theft charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Lexington, MO, right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to plan a free case review.