Theft Lawyer Orrick, MO

Theft Lawyer in Orrick, MO. If someone accuses you of theft in Orrick, MO, you need to act immediately. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. On your own, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. Your Orrick, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will listen to your story, research your case, and build a strong defense. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Today, you will read about:

• The key elements of theft in Orrick, MO
• What to do if you’ve been arrested for stealing
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• Missouri’s different classifications for theft, and how they are categorized
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• Getting started crafting your defense now

How Does Orrick, MO, Define Theft?

The majority of theft accusations in Orrick, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Orrick, MO:

1. Taking something that belongs to another person for yourself, including by tricking them or through means of force.
2. Any attempts to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen as described above (successful or unsuccessful).
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which we will discuss in more detail below. For any larceny accusations, though, it’s critical to get in touch with a Orrick, MO stealing charges lawyer who can help you understand the potential penalties.

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

Theft charges in Orrick, MO, are distinct for two reasons: What was stolen and the method used.

The stolen property could be anything from a firearm to an animal, and Missouri sets different penalties for certain specified items. The value of the item can also play a factor.

Both of these factors can drastically affect defensive strategies: In some cases, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

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

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Orrick, MO?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Orrick, 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 many forms that people use when committing shoplifting. One example is gathering items to check out from a store, but trying to sneak some out without scanning them.

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.

What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of Stealing

If you’ve been accused of or arrested for stealing in Orrick, MO, don’t panic. 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. Plead the fifth, reach out to your attorney, and gather anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Remain Silent — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Call Your Lawyer — 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. Tell Your Orrick, 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. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

The Reasons You Need a Leading Orrick, MO, Theft Lawyer

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

Here are some examples of the difference that a lawyer can make:

Get help against these charges now. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Call now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Orrick, 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 Orrick, 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, 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 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.
  • 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 before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that was not named above, is valued at less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

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 Orrick, 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 a particular kind of theft, where one person uses force or threats to coerce another person into giving away their valuables. In Missouri, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

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 unique in that it doesn’t necessarily stealing money or a physical object, and instead another person’s identifying information. Missouri law also specifies an intent aspect: Identity theft must be done with the intention to commit theft.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud isn’t just one activity in Orrick, MO. It could be stealing and using someone else’s credit card without permission, using false information on an application for a debit card, or continuing to use a card after it has been revoked.

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.

Strong Defenses Against Stealing Charges

Theft crime defenses can rely on broad strategies, like an alibi, or property-specific strategies, like perceived ownership. Once you’ve connected with your Orrick, 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 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 — 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 — Sometimes theft is committed to prevent greater harm; for example, stealing medical supplies to help someone who’s been injured.
• Alibi — Alibi is often the strongest defense in criminal cases, as it shows that you physically could not have been the offender.
• 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 — Sometimes, the state fails to make its case in a convincing manner. Your defense lawyer can show off the flaws in the case.
• Evidentiary Issues — If key evidence was obtained illegally or did not follow chain of custody rules, it can be challenged and thrown out.

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

Some attorneys will offer their clients the first plea deal they can find without pushing for better. Not Combs Waterkotte. We’re dedicated to finding the best outcome for your particular situation, whatever that looks like.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 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.
• We are known for providing high-quality service.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

Your rights aren’t something to be ignored. Combs Waterkotte will fight for you, protect you, and help you navigate the legal system in Orrick.

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

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. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Orrick, MO, right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.