Theft Lawyer Weatherby Lake, MO

Theft Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO. You can’t underestimate Weatherby Lake, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. On your own, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. With our Weatherby Lake, MO, theft lawyers in your corner, you’re getting help from an experienced team of premier criminal attorneys. We don’t settle for a ‘good enough’ defense – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

Here, you can read about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• 7 steps to take after a theft arrest
• How a theft lawyer can help you protect your freedom
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Weatherby Lake, MO
• Stealing charges that don’t fit under Missouri’s main theft law
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• Why Combs Waterkotte is Weatherby Lake’s leading defense firm
• How to get a hold of a theft lawyer today

How Does Weatherby Lake, MO, Define Theft?

For a definition of theft in Weatherby Lake, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. Under it, any of the following actions counts as larceny:

1. Depriving another person of their lawful property (including through deception or 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.

Depending on the alleged item stolen, how it was stolen, and its value, you could face additional charges and/or elevated penalties, which we will cover in more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s essential to work with a Weatherby Lake, MO stealing charges lawyer to discuss what you’re up against.

What Sets Weatherby Lake, MO, Theft Charges Apart?

Theft charges in Weatherby Lake, MO, are distinct for two reasons: The stolen item and what the perpetrator supposedly did to take it.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. The value of the item can also play a factor.

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 hinge on whether or not you had permission to use the item.

Potential penalties are also affected by prior convictions (especially for other larceny offenses).

Does § 570.030 RSMo Include Shoplifting?

§ 570.030 RSMo covers both traditional theft ans shoplifting in Weatherby Lake, MO.

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. There are several different forms of shoplifting: One example is switching the price tags on two items to reduce how much you have to pay.

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

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Weatherby Lake, MO, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress. Most people don’t know what to do, but if you take the right steps, you can set up your case for a positive outcome. Plead the fifth, request your lawyer, and collect anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to prepare for your defense:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent — Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and don’t answer any police questions on your own.
2. Call Your Lawyer — 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 Court Orders — If you are granted pretrial release, it’s important to obey all requirements.
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 — While Missouri state law can be opaque, your lawyer can break it down into plain English.
6. Search for Evidence — Look for anything that can help your defense, and send it to your defense team.
7. Create a Defense Plan — The right defensive strategy will depend on the evidence and your criminal history. Your lawyer can help you make that determination.

How Your Theft Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, Will Help Your Case

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.

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 today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Weatherby Lake, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. 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 Weatherby Lake, 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, regardless of criminal record.
• Stealing a vehicle, in cases where the accused has had two separate and unconnected theft-related convictions in the last 10 years.
• 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 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 stolen property was:
  • A motor vehicle.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • 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.
• Stealing anything with at least three prior theft-related convictions within 10 years, on separate occasions.
• 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 has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

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

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

Most theft charges in Weatherby Lake, MO, are prosecuted under § 570.030 RSMo, but there are some exceptions. For example, robbery is more likely to be charged separately given the seriousness of the accusation.

Burglary

In Weatherby Lake, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. Most of the time, burglary is done with the intent to commit theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is the term used for violent theft. In Missouri, for a crime to count as robbery, the alleged victim must have been threatened/hurt, or a weapon is involved.

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 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. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to theft crimes in Missouri where you can learn more about these charges.

Possible Defenses to Stealing Accusations in Weatherby Lake, 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. The examples listed below are some of the strong defensive options that our lawyers will consider 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 — 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 — Perceived ownership defenses can occur if a person honestly believed they had ownership rights of something, even if they didn’t. This can be challenging to prove.
• 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 — A theft charge may be eligible for a necessity defense. For example, if you came across someone dying of thirst, stealing water may be excused as necessity (depending on the specific circumstances).
• Alibi — An alibi is a strong defense that can be used even before trial to push back against prosecution.
• Mistaken Identity — While unintentional, sometimes stealing victims will pick the wrong person as the perpetrator.
• 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 — The state needs to follow the rules when investigating crimes. When they break those rules, we can file motions to suppress the evidence.

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

Why Combs Waterkotte is Weatherby Lake, MO’s Leading Theft Defense Law Firm

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:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• We won’t settle for a sub-par plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready.
• Past clients are open about their positive experiences with our firm.
• We employ a former police officer for investigation and evidence review.

When you are facing theft accusations, you need an experienced stealing charges lawyer to protect your freedom. You need Combs Waterkotte.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

These accusations are severe. A conviction could mean a felony on your record, years in prison, and long-lasting collateral consequences. Your defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will help you fight against these allegations.

Get help from a theft lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a no-strings consult.