Theft Lawyer North Kansas City, MO

Theft Lawyer in North Kansas City, MO. You can’t underestimate North Kansas City, MO, theft or larceny charges. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. Without help, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. If you need a North Kansas City, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts is ready for your case. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

Here, you will learn about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• What a theft lawyer will do to help
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in North Kansas City, MO
• Other types of theft besides general larceny
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How to get a hold of a theft lawyer today

What is a Theft Crime in North Kansas City, MO?

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

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or 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.

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, you need to contact a stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

Why North Kansas City, MO, Theft Accusations Are Different From Other Criminal Charges

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in North Kansas City, MO: The stolen item and how it was allegedly done.

The specific consequences you could be facing depend on the type of property that was supposedly taken. Additionally, the monetary value can change the potential penalty.

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 show evidence that the allegedly stolen property is of a lesser value than the prosecution is stating. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in North Kansas City, MO?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in North Kansas City, MO.

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. 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.

What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Stealing

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in North Kansas City, 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 set up your case for a positive outcome. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and collect anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent — You cannot be forced to testify against yourself: Invoke the Fifth Amendment and stay silent.
2. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Obey Release Conditions — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your North Kansas City, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research Your Case — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your North Kansas City, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Create a Defense Plan — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

How Your Theft Lawyer in North Kansas City, MO, Will Help Your Case

It’s essential to work with a theft lawyer in North Kansas City, MO, who knows your charges and the best way to respond to them. They can provide valuable insights and advocate for you at many stages in the justice process..

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

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. A lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the best outcome possible. Call now to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. For the most part, you’re in more danger if you have prior theft convictions, and/or if the value of the supposedly taken property is higher. 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:

• 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, 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 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 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.
• Stealing anything with at least three prior theft-related convictions within 10 years, on separate occasions.
• Stealing mail before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that fits none of the above categories, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender does not have a criminal record including stealing related convictions.

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

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in North Kansas City, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. 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

In North Kansas City, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is a subtype of theft crimes, specifically for those involving violence and/or threats. In North Kansas City, MO, If a weapon was used, a victim was hurt, or the supposed perpetrator made violent threats, the crime would count as robbery.

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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. To be found guilty of identity theft in North Kansas City, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In North Kansas City, 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

Contact your North Kansas City, MO stealing charges lawyer from Combs Waterkotte to learn more about these charges today. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Defensive Strategies Against Stealing Charges in North Kansas City, 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 — Sometimes, a theft case is no more than a property dispute. If you can show you lawfully owned the item in question, this can be one of the strongest defenses.
• 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 — 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 — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• 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 — 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 Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Theft Defense Attorney

Our firm is ready to take your case. It doesn’t matter what you’re accused of, what the evidence is, or where you’re at in the justice process. You need an experienced North Kansas City, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

When you work with us, you’re taking advantage of the following benefits:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• 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.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

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

Get Help Fighting Theft Charges in North Kansas City, MO, Today

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. The defense you build now could make all the difference for your life. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Speak with a theft lawyer in North Kansas City, MO, right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to arrange a private consult with one of our team members.