Theft Lawyer Polo, MO

Theft Lawyer in Polo, MO. You can’t underestimate Polo, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. If you’re alone, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. Your Polo, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will listen to your story, research your case, and build a strong defense. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will learn about:

• How theft is defined in Polo, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Defenses that can be effective in theft cases
• Why you should choose Combs Waterkotte for your defense
• How to get started building your defense today

How Does Polo, MO, Define Theft?

For a definition of theft in Polo, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Polo:

1. Taking someone else’s property and not planning to give it back, either without their permission, by tricking them, or by threatening them.
2. Trying to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen that does not belong to you, whether or not you succeed.
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. Regardless, it’s essential to get in touch with a Polo, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

What Makes Theft Crimes Different From Other Polo, MO, Criminal Charges?

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

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.

Your defense strategy might focus on the supposed method of theft, or on the item itself: 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 § 570.030 RSMo Include Shoplifting?

Yes, shoplifting counts as theft in Polo, MO. Because Missouri does not have a separate law for shoplifting, it falls under the same statute as standard 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. 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

Theft arrests in Polo, MO, can move fast, but stay calm. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can lay the foundation for your future defense. 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. Remain Silent — The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. Politely but firmly tell any investigators that you are invoking this right.
2. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have an attorney during judicial proceedings. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.
3. Obey Release Conditions — 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. Gather Evidence — Anything related to your case could be helpful.
7. Choose a Defensive Tactic — Taking into account your story, your record, and the evidence, you can work with your attorney to decide on a strong defensive plan.

How Your Theft Lawyer in Polo, MO, Will Help Your Case

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.

Here are places where the right attorney can make all the difference:

Get help against these charges now. 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

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. 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 Polo, 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 an ATM, or anything inside one.
• 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 motor vehicle.
  • 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 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 Polo, 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

In Polo, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. This crime is often a form of 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, robbery has two specific conditions: Either the supposed victim was threatened/hurt, or the alleged perpetrator used a weapon.

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 not always a form of physical theft, and instead can just involve the taking of another person’s identifying information, so that you could impersonate them. To be found guilty of identity theft in Polo, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it to steal something of value.

Credit Card Fraud

In Polo, 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

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.

Defensive Strategies Against Stealing Charges in Polo, 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. Once you’ve connected with your Polo, 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 — 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 — Necessity can be used to excuse what is normally a criminal action. For theft, this might look like stealing a jacket from a store in order to survive snowy weather.
• Alibi — An alibi is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• 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 the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

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.

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 are some of the reasons we’re the right choice for your case:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• 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.
• We are known for providing high-quality service.
• Our lead investigator is a former police officer who can look for evidentiary weaknesses.

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

Get Help Fighting Theft Charges in Polo, MO, Today

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. If you’re found guilty, it could permanently change the course of your life for the worse. Getting help soon is critical. And Combs Waterkotte is always available.

Connect with a theft lawyer in Polo, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to set up a free consult.