Theft Lawyer Odessa, MO

Theft Lawyer in Odessa, MO. You can’t underestimate Odessa, MO, theft or larceny charges. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. Without help, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. If you need a Odessa, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts is ready for your case. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Page Overview:

Today, you can read about:

• The key elements of theft in Odessa, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• The different classifications of stealing in Odessa, MO
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Tactics that have proven effective in many theft cases
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What Counts as Theft in Odessa, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Odessa, MO:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

The exact misdemeanor or felony class you’re facing depends on what was allegedly taken and how, which we will cover in more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s critical to call a Odessa, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

Why You Need to Treat Theft Charges in Odessa, MO, Differently

Theft charges in Odessa, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The stolen item and the method used.

The specific consequences you could be facing depend on the type of property that was supposedly taken. The cost of the lost property can also play a role.

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 challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, the right defense strategy is to review conversations with the owner and show that you had permission to use the item.

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

Does Shoplifting Count as Theft in Odessa, MO?

There is not a separate statute for shoplifting versus regular theft in Missouri — both are covered under § 570.030 RSMo.

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. 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. 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 just been arrested for stealing in Odessa, 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 ensure that your rights are respected. Plead the fifth, request your lawyer, and collect information that could help your defense.

Follow these steps to protect your future:

1. Plead the Fifth — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
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 — If you are granted pretrial release, it’s important to obey all requirements.
4. Tell the Full Story to Your Attorney — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research Your Case — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Gather Evidence — Anything related to your case could be helpful.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — Taking into account your story, your record, and the evidence, you can work with your attorney to decide on a strong defensive plan.

The Role of Your Odessa, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Odessa, 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:

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Call now to start building 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. 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, with a prior livestock theft conviction.
• 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 stolen property was:
  • A motor vehicle.
  • 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.
• 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 fits none of the above categories, is valued at 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.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Odessa, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. 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. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is the term used for violent theft. In Odessa, 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 typically a white-collar crime. Instead of a person taking property that wasn’t theirs from another, under embezzlement, a person who has legitimate access to valuables misuses them.

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 Odessa, 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 Odessa, 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.

Powerful Defenses Against Stealing Charges

Theft crime defenses can rely on broad strategies, like an alibi, or property-specific strategies, like perceived ownership. Your attorney will research your case and listen to your story, then build a defense based on a tactic like the ones below:

• 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 — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• 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 — 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 — An alibi is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• Mistaken Identity — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• 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 case is unique, and while these defense strategies can make a good base, your larceny defense lawyer will help build your case on top of it.

What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Theft Defense Lawyers Apart

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 Odessa, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

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 treat you like a person, not a case number.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

When your freedom is on the line, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal help. Combs Waterkotte can provide you with just that.

Talk to Your Odessa, MO, Theft Lawyer Now

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. 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.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Odessa, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to plan a private case review.