Theft Lawyer Wellington, MO

Theft Lawyer in Wellington, MO. If someone accuses you of theft in Wellington, MO, you need to act immediately. You could be facing years in prison. Without help, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right next step. If you need a Wellington, MO, theft lawyer, our firm of criminal defense experts has your back. You deserve a top-quality defense – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Here, you will learn about:

• The key elements of theft in Wellington, MO
• Your next steps after a larceny arrest
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Wellington, MO
• Charges that are either related to theft or often charged alongside theft
• Possible approaches your theft lawyer might use in your defense
• Why Combs Waterkotte’s defense attorneys are the right choice for your case
• How to get started building your defense today

What is Theft in Wellington, MO?

For a definition of theft in Wellington, you’ll want to look at § 570.030 RSMo. It gives three definitions for what counts as stealing in Wellington, MO:

1. Taking something that belongs to another person for yourself, including by tricking them or through means of force.
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Selling or keeping goods you know are stolen.

The exact misdemeanor or felony class you’re facing depends on what was allegedly taken and how, which you can read about more detail below. But whatever you’re facing, it’s critical to get in touch with a Wellington, MO stealing charges lawyer to look for weaknesses in the case against you.

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

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: The type of property taken 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. 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 contest whether the supposedly stolen property qualifies for enhanced penalties or not. 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?

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. 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. 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 Steps to Take If You’re Accused of Larceny

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Wellington, MO, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but if you take the right steps, you can ensure that your rights are respected. Plead the fifth, request your lawyer, and gather anything you think would help your lawyer.

Follow these steps to protect your future:

1. Remain Silent — Respectuflly state “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Request Your Stealing Defense Attorney — Don’t try to face investigators alone; exercise your right to an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — You don’t want to go back to jail before your trial, so keep in line with any court orders.
4. Tell Your Side of the Story to Your Lawyer — Your attorney is on your side, and the more they know, the better.
5. Research the Law — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Gather Evidence — The more information your theft lawyer has, the better.
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.

The Reasons You Need a Leading Wellington, MO, Theft Lawyer

Without an attorney, you’re trying to take on the Wellington, MO, justice system alone. With an experienced theft lawyer, you’re getting insights and support every step of the way.

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

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. An attorney from Combs Waterkotte can make all the difference. Call now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Wellington, MO

A theft accusation could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on several factors. In general, you’re in more danger if you have prior theft convictions, and/or if the value of the supposedly taken property is higher. Below is a breakdown of why a theft accusation could fit into a given category:

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, 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 or stealing from an ATM.
• 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 stolen property was:
  • A car, boat, or airplane.
  • A will.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • A firearm.
  • An explosive.
  • 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 considered a class A misdemeanor.

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

While § 570.030 RSMo is the main theft statute in Wellington, MO, there are several other statutes dedicated to either specific types of theft or related charges. Charges like burglary are often levied alongside stealing/larceny, while identity theft is more likely to be treated as a separate offense.

Burglary

In Wellington, 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 a particular kind of theft that involves stealing someone else’s identity, or manufacturing a fake one. 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

Contact your Wellington, MO stealing charges lawyer from Combs Waterkotte to learn more about these charges today. In the meantime, you can review our total guide to theft charges in Missouri to learn more.

Defensive Strategies to Combat Stealing Charges in Wellington, MO

When considering defenses for your case, be sure to examine theft-specific options, like ownership and claim of right. 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 — Ownership of an item precludes you from being able to steal it.
• 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — Motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence can undermine the strength of a prosecutor’s case.

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

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Theft Defense Attorney

Combs Waterkotte is Wellington, 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:

• Former prosecutorial experience gives our team an advantage against the prosecutor.
• We take a client-first approach and have someone available 24/7 via phone.
• We’re known for building trial-ready defenses, and won’t back down when challenged.
• We are known for providing high-quality service.
• 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.

Our Wellington, 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. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Speak to a theft lawyer in Wellington, MO, today by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to arrange a private consult with one of our team members.