Theft Lawyer Stewartsville, MO

Theft Lawyer in Stewartsville, MO. If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, stealing, or larceny in Stewartsville, MO, the criminal justice system can move fast. Within days, you can be arrested, interrogated, and charged with breaking the law. If you’re alone, the odds are stacked against you.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. With our Stewartsville, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from a seasoned group of leading criminal attorneys. You deserve a top-quality defense – we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will learn about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• 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
• 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
• Getting started crafting your defense now

What is a Theft Crime in Stewartsville, MO?

The majority of theft accusations in Stewartsville, MO, are charged under Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or threats).
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

Depending on the alleged item stolen, how it was stolen, and its value, you could face additional charges and/or elevated penalties, which you can read about more detail below. Regardless, it’s essential to contact a Stewartsville, MO stealing charges lawyer who can help you understand the potential penalties.

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

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Stewartsville, MO: The stolen item and what the perpetrator supposedly did to take it.

The stolen property could be anything from a firearm to an animal, and Missouri sets different penalties for certain specified items. 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: Sometimes, your criminal defense attorney will challenge the value of the item in question, leading to lesser penalties. Other times, your defense could be built around ownership confusion.

In many cases, theft crime convictions are enhanced specifically by prior convictions for stealing offenses.

Do the Same Laws Cover Shoplifting and Regular Theft in Stewartsville, 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. 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.

7 Essential Steps to Take If Accused of Stealing in Stewartsville, MO

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Stewartsville, MO, can make all the difference in your case. It’s important to avoid making mistakes, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Stay silent, reach out to your attorney, and put together evidence that can support your defense.

Follow these steps to protect your future:

1. Plead the Fifth — Respectuflly state “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Contact a 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 — 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 — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Discuss Defense Strategies — Looking at the totality of your case, your lawyer can recommend the best way forward.

The Role of Your Stewartsville, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Stewartsville, 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. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Call now to craft your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Stewartsville, MO

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. 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:

• Stealing a storage tank or other container with any amount of anhydrous ammonia.

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 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 stolen property 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.
• 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 considered a class A misdemeanor.

Other Stealing Charges You May Face

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Stewartsville, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. 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. 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 Stewartsville, MO, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is when a person misuses funds that were not their own, but they were given control over. This is different from typical theft in that the alleged perpetrator had permission to access the money, but supposedly used it improperly.

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 Stewartsville, 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 isn’t just one activity in Stewartsville, 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. In the meantime, you can review our total guide to theft charges in Missouri to learn more.

Powerful Defenses Against Stealing Charges

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. 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 applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• Actual Ownership — Sometimes, a theft case is no more than a property dispute. If you can show you lawfully owned the item in question, this can be one of the strongest defenses.
• 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 — Lack of intent can protect you if you took an item without realizing it. For example, maybe a friend forgot their phone in your car, and you drove off with it. Assuming you didn’t realize it was there, you lacked intent to commit theft.
• 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 — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• 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 the prosecution’s case is based on erroneous or misinterpreted evidence, we will investigate it and file motions to suppress it.

Your larceny defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case.

Why You Want to Work With an Expert Stewartsville, MO, Theft Lawyer From Combs Waterkotte

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 treat you like a person, not a case number.
• We don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• Our former clients have given us over 500 five-star reviews.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police officer.

When you call Combs Waterkotte, you’re in good hands from day one. Our team is dedicated to our clients and prepared to fight for your freedom.

Fight Your Theft Charges. Contact Combs Waterkotte Now

Allegations of larceny are important to take seriously. If you don’t battle for your freedom, it could disappear. When you call Combs Waterkotte, we’re committed to protecting you from negative outcomes.

Talk to a theft lawyer in Stewartsville, MO, ASAP by calling (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form to plan a private case review.