Theft Lawyer Norborne, MO

Theft Lawyer in Norborne, MO. You can’t underestimate Norborne, MO, theft or larceny charges. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. Without help, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. If you need a Norborne, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts has your back. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you can learn about:

• How theft is defined in Norborne, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• The different classifications of stealing in Norborne, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• Getting started crafting your defense now

How Does Norborne, MO, Define Theft?

The key theft statute you need to know about in Norborne, MO, is § 570.030 RSMo. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or threats).
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

This law can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on many factors, which we will discuss in more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s essential to contact a Norborne, MO stealing charges lawyer who can help you understand the potential penalties.

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

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Norborne, MO: The type of property taken and how it was allegedly done.

The specific consequences you could be facing depend on the type of property that was supposedly taken. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Each case is unique, and your lawyer will help you pick the best strategy for your case: 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.

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Norborne, MO?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Norborne, 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. 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. 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.

Accused of Theft in Norborne, MO? Take These 7 Steps

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Norborne, MO, don’t panic. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can lay the foundation for your future defense. Avoid talking with police, reach out to your attorney, and gather anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. Plead the Fifth — The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. Politely but firmly tell any investigators that you are invoking this right.
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. Be Honest With 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. Search for Evidence — Anything related to your case could be helpful.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Now that you understand the charges and can review the evidence, it’s time for you and your attorney to pick a defense plan.

Why You Need an Experienced Norborne, 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.

When you work with an attorney, the difference can be night and day:

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. In general, the higher the value of the supposedly stolen property, the more serious the accusation. Below, we’ve listed the different possible penalty classes for theft under § 570.030 RSMo, and what qualifies for each:

Class A Felony Theft:

• Stealing a storage tank or other container with any amount of anhydrous ammonia.

Class B Felony Theft:

• Stealing or attempting to steal 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, 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 a shoplifting ring.

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 item stolen was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive.
  • A U.S. 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 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 classified as a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Norborne, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

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 Norborne, MO, robbery has two specific conditions: Either the supposed victim was threatened/hurt, or the alleged perpetrator used a weapon.

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 unique in that it doesn’t necessarily stealing money or a physical object, and instead another person’s identifying information. 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 Norborne, MO, including misusing a credit card (often fake or cancelled ones), and lying on credit card applications.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Combs Waterkotte’s stealing charges lawyers offer expert criminal defense for all of the above allegations. If you want to learn more about these individual charges, check out our ultimate guide to theft crimes in Missouri.

Defensive Strategies to Combat Stealing Charges in Norborne, 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 key evidence was obtained illegally or did not follow chain of custody rules, it can be challenged and thrown out.

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

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Theft Defense Attorney

Combs Waterkotte is Norborne, 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 treat you like a person, not a case number.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• 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.

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

Our Norborne, MO, Theft Lawyers Are Available 24/7

These accusations are severe. 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 Norborne, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to schedule a confidential consult with one of our team members.