Theft Lawyer Lone Jack, MO

Theft Lawyer in Lone Jack, MO. If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, stealing, or larceny in Lone Jack, MO, the criminal justice system can move fast. You could be facing years in prison. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Lone Jack, MO, and we’re here to provide just that. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Page Overview:

Below, you will read about:

• The key elements of theft in Lone Jack, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• The different classifications of stealing in Lone Jack, MO
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is Theft in Lone Jack, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

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. 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 cover in more detail below. Regardless, it’s always important to work with a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why Lone Jack, MO, Theft Accusations Are Different From Other Criminal Charges

Theft charges in Lone Jack, MO, are distinct for two reasons: What was stolen and how it was allegedly done.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will show evidence that the allegedly stolen property is of a lesser value than the prosecution is stating. Other times, your lawyer may argue that you were unaware and did not intend to commit theft.

Prior stealing convictions can also play a role in Lone Jack, MO, theft crime penalties.

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. 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 Lone Jack, MO, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can position yourself well for your lawyer to help. Avoid talking with police, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and put together anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. Remain Silent — You cannot be forced to testify against yourself: Invoke the Fifth Amendment and stay silent.
2. Call Your Stealing Charges Lawyer — 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 granted pretrial release, it’s important to obey all requirements.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
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 Lone Jack, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Create a Defense Plan — Looking at the totality of your case, your lawyer can recommend the best way forward.

The Role of Your Lone Jack, 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.

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

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Call today to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Lone Jack, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. In general, the higher the value of the supposedly stolen property, the more serious the accusation. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Lone Jack, 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, with a prior livestock theft conviction.
• 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 or stealing from an ATM.
• 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 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 from someone’s mailbox.

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 any other cases, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Lone Jack, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

Burglary

In Lone Jack, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

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 Lone Jack, MO, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

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 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. To be found guilty of identity theft in Lone Jack, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In Lone Jack, 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

Whatever you’re up against, our stealing charges lawyers are ready to defend you. 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 — 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 — Lack of intent can protect you if you took an item without realizing it. For example, maybe a friend forgot their phone in your car, and you drove off with it. Assuming you didn’t realize it was there, you lacked intent to commit theft.
• 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 — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• 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 — The state needs to follow the rules when investigating crimes. When they break those rules, we can file motions to suppress the evidence.

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

Why Combs Waterkotte is Lone Jack, MO’s Leading Theft Defense Law Firm

Combs Waterkotte is Lone Jack, 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.

This is why you should choose us to defend your case:

• 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.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• 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.

Combs Waterkotte: Experienced Theft Defense in Lone Jack, MO

These accusations are severe. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Talk to a theft lawyer in Lone Jack, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to plan a confidential consult with one of our team members.