Theft Lawyer Weston, MO

Theft Lawyer in Weston, MO. You can’t underestimate Weston, MO, theft or larceny charges. You could be facing years in prison. Without help, it can feel like an impossible fight.

Combs Waterkotte is ready for your call. Your Weston, MO, theft lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. With our firm, we don’t take shortcuts – we will always be honest with you and tell you what the best next step is for your case.

Page Overview:

On this page, you will read about:

• Missouri’s main theft statute
• What to do if you’ve been arrested for stealing
• The role that a defense attorney plays in your case
• Felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Weston, MO
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• 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 Weston, MO?

Missouri has several laws regarding theft, but the main one is Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.030. It outlines different types of larceny in the state:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
2. Any attempts to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen as described above (successful or unsuccessful).
3. Receiving/selling stolen goods.

Theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on several factors, which you can read about more detail below. Regardless, it’s critical to call a Weston, MO stealing charges lawyer who can help you understand the potential penalties.

Why You Need to Treat Theft Charges in Weston, MO, Differently

There are two things that set apart theft allegations in Weston, MO: The type of property taken and the method used.

In § 570.030 RSMo, Missouri names several specific items and categorizes them into penalty categories. 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, 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.

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Weston, MO?

There is not a separate statute for shoplifting versus regular theft in Missouri — both are covered under § 570.030 RSMo.

Shoplifting, also known as “retail theft,” is when a person allegedly steals merchandise from a store while it is open. 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. These will assign specific penalties, and sometimes diversion programs, to treat shoplifting differently from other theft.

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

Taking the right steps after a theft arrest in Weston, 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 lay the foundation for your future defense. Stay silent, ask to speak with your defense attorney, and gather 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. 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. Comply With Pretrial Release Conditions — If you are given pretrial release, obey any conditions set by the court.
4. Tell Your Weston, MO, Defense Attorney Everything — Don’t keep anything from your attorney regarding your case. They can help you best when they know the full story.
5. Research the Law — Work with your attorney to get a better understanding of the law and the potential consequences.
6. Search for 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.

The Role of Your Weston, 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.

When you work with an attorney, the difference can be night and day:

Get help against these charges now. Combs Waterkotte’s theft defense team is ready for your case. Contact our team now to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Weston, MO

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. 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. § 570.030 RSMo lists out the below penalty classes for specific forms of theft in Weston, 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 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 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 before it reaches the recipient.

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 cases that don’t fit any of the contexts listed above, theft is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Similar and Related Charges Your Theft Lawyer Can Help You Fight

General larceny is covered under § 570.030 RSMo in Weston, MO, but some specific subtypes of theft are given their own statutes. 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

Missouri defines burglary as breaking into a building when you aren’t allowed to be there, and intending to commit a crime. It’s normal for a burglary to be in service of a theft, but not guaranteed.

Robbery

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

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 unique in that it doesn’t necessarily stealing money or a physical object, and instead another person’s identifying information. Missouri law also specifies an intent aspect: Identity theft must be done with the intention to commit theft.

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. 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. 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 can be used if you did not own the property, but believed you were allowed to use it.
• Actual Ownership — Taking an item is only theft if you didn’t own it. If you did, this can be your defense.
• Perceived Ownership — Because larceny relies on an intent aspect, claiming that you believed the item was yours can prove an effective defense.
• 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 shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• Mistaken Identity — Grainy security footage can be hard to interpret. It’s possible that the wrong person was accused.
• Lack of Evidence — In some cases, the prosecution fails to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense attorney can highlight this.
• Evidentiary Issues — Motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence can undermine the strength of a prosecutor’s case.

Whatever you’re accused of, you need a strong defense plan. A larceny defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you get there.

What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Theft Defense Lawyers Apart

Our firm is ready to take your case. It doesn’t matter what you’re accused of, what the evidence is, or where you’re at in the justice process. You need an experienced Weston, MO, theft lawyer, and we are ready for your call.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Insights from a former prosecutor help us find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• We are client-centered, and always have a team member available.
• Every defense we build is trial-ready, which also gives us leverage in plea negotiations.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• Your defense investigation will be aided by a former police officer.

When your freedom is on the line, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal help. Combs Waterkotte can provide you with just that.

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

Call a theft lawyer in Weston, MO, right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consult with one of our team members.