Theft Lawyer Peculiar, MO

Theft Lawyer in Peculiar, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Peculiar, MO. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. Without help, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. With our Peculiar, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from an experienced team of premier criminal attorneys. You deserve a top-quality defense – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will read about:

• How theft is defined in Peculiar, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• The different classifications of stealing in Peculiar, MO
• Stealing charges that don’t fit under Missouri’s main theft law
• Tactics that have proven effective in many theft cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Peculiar, MO, now

What is Theft in Peculiar, MO?

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

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through 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.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which you can read about more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s critical to call a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

What Sets Peculiar, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Theft charges in Peculiar, MO, are distinct for two reasons: 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 contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. 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 Peculiar, MO, theft crime penalties.

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Peculiar, MO?

Missouri uses the same law (§ 570.030 RSMo) to define both shoplifting and most other forms of theft.

Shoplifting, sometimes referred to as “retail theft,” is the stealing of merchandise from a store during regular business hours. 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

Theft arrests in Peculiar, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Plead the fifth, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and collect evidence that can support your defense.

Follow these steps to set yourself up for a positive outcome:

1. Remain Silent — You cannot be forced to testify against yourself: Invoke the Fifth Amendment and stay silent.
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. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your Peculiar, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research Your Case — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Search for Evidence — Evidence can help your Peculiar, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — Now that you understand the charges and can review the evidence, it’s time for you and your attorney to pick a defense plan.

The Role of Your Peculiar, 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.

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

Don’t try to fight these charges alone. A lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the best outcome possible. Call now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Peculiar, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. In general, the biggest risk factors are the value of the item and your prior criminal record. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Peculiar, MO:

Class A Felony Theft:

• Steal anhydrous ammonia, specifically within a storage container.

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, 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 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 item stolen was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • 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 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.

In any other cases, theft is classified as a class A misdemeanor.

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Peculiar, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. 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

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 Missouri, 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 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 and debit card fraud cover a variety of activities: Using a fake card, stealing and using a card, using a cancled card, and lying on an application for a card.

Theft-Related Offenses: Penalties Table

Whatever you’re up against, our stealing charges lawyers are ready to defend you. If you want to learn more about these individual charges, check out our ultimate guide to theft crimes in Missouri.

Possible Defenses to Stealing Accusations in Peculiar, MO

Theft, stealing, and larceny charges can be defended using unique strategies like claim of right or ownership, and through more universal defenses like necessity and mistaken identity. 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 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 — If you have strong records to show your honest belief that you owned an item, this can be used to deny that you had intent to commit theft.
• 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 — 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 — If you were misidentified, your lawyer can challenge the lineup procedure and work to introduce doubt.
• 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 Combs Waterkotte is Peculiar, MO’s Leading Theft Defense Law Firm

Combs Waterkotte is Peculiar, 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.

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 keep our phones online 24/7 if you have a question or need an update on your case.
• We won’t settle for a sub-par plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• 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 Peculiar.

Fight Your Theft Charges. Contact Combs Waterkotte Now

Theft charges shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Talk to a theft lawyer in Peculiar, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to plan a free consult with one of our team members.