Theft Lawyer Riverside, MO

Theft Lawyer in Riverside, MO. Theft crime charges can be some of the most serious in Riverside, MO. Even a non-violent theft charge can be a serious felony. If you’re alone, you might feel hopeless.

Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for you. You need an experienced theft lawyer in Riverside, MO, and you can find the right one in our firm. You deserve a top-quality defense – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Page Overview:

Below, you will read about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Riverside, MO
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• What sets the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte apart
• How to get started building your defense today

What is a Theft Crime in Riverside, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It sets three possible conditions for larceny in Riverside:

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. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
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. But whatever you’re facing, it’s always important to call a Riverside, MO stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

Why Riverside, MO, Theft Accusations Are Different From Other Criminal Charges

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: What was stolen and how it was allegedly done.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. The cost of the lost property can also play a role.

Your defense strategy might focus on the supposed method of theft, or on the item itself: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. 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 Riverside, MO, theft crime penalties.

Does § 570.030 RSMo Include Shoplifting?

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

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. 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. 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 just been arrested for stealing in Riverside, 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 lay the foundation for your future defense. Plead the fifth, get in touch with your lawyer, and gather information that could help your defense.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

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 — 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 Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — Anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Tell your defense attorney the full story.
5. Research Your Case — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Gather Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Decide on a Defense — 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 Riverside, MO, Theft Lawyer

Whether you’ve just been arrested or have a trial coming up fast, getting a defense attorney on your side should be your top priority. They can protect you in interrogations, at pretrial hearings, and all the way through sentencing and appeals.

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

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

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Riverside, MO

If you’ve been accused of theft, what was allegedly stolen can determine what the potential penalty is. For the most part, 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 Riverside, 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, if you have previously been convicted of livestock theft.
• 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 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 was not named above, is valued at 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.

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

Most theft charges in Riverside, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. Charges like burglary are often levied alongside stealing/larceny, while identity theft is more likely to be treated as a separate offense.

Burglary

In Riverside, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

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 Riverside, MO, robbery has two specific conditions: Either the supposed victim was threatened/hurt, or the alleged perpetrator used a weapon.

Embezzlement

What sets embezzlement apart from other forms of stealing is how the supposed offender gained access to the property: If they already had legitimate access, it is considered embezzlement. If not, it’s considered another type of theft.

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 Riverside, MO, though, you need to have taken someone’s ID and intended to use it 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.

Defensive Strategies to Combat Stealing Charges in Riverside, 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 applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• Actual Ownership — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• 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 — Alibi is often the strongest defense in criminal cases, as it shows that you physically could not have been the offender.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• Lack of Evidence — At the end of the day, it’s on the prosecution to prove that you’re guilty. If their case is weak, your attorney will demonstrate this.
• 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 Riverside, MO’s Leading Theft Defense Law Firm

If you’ve been accused of theft in Riverside, MO, finding the right defense attorney is a critical decision. But with over 100 years of combined legal experience and over 10,000 clients’ cases handled, we think the answer is clear: Combs Waterkotte.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We treat you like a person, not a case number.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• 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.

Our Riverside, 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.

Get help from a theft lawyer in Riverside, MO, now by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to plan a confidential consult.