Theft Lawyer Windsor, MO

Theft Lawyer in Windsor, MO. You can’t underestimate Windsor, MO, theft or larceny charges. The prosecution is building a case against you and won’t hold back. If you’re alone, it’s easy to feel lost.

Combs Waterkotte is here to help. If you need a Windsor, MO, theft lawyer, our team of criminal defense experts has your back. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been charged with – wtih Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting a high-quality defense against all charges.

Page Overview:

Below, you will learn about:

• What constitutes stealing in Windsor, MO
• Steps to take if you’re facing larceny accusations
• Why it’s important to contact a theft attorney immediately
• What makes a larceny charge a felony vs. a misdemeanor
• Additional and/or alternative charges you could face
• Strategies your theft defense lawyer may use
• Why Combs Waterkotte is Windsor’s leading defense firm
• How you can talk to a theft lawyer in Windsor, MO, now

What is Theft in Windsor, 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 Windsor:

1. Taking something that isn’t yours from its rightful owner — this could be without their knowledge, through trickery, or through threats.
2. Attempting to take anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen under the same conditions.
3. Receiving and/or selling stolen property.

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 essential to get in touch with a stealing charges lawyer who can break down the charges against you.

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

Alleged theft cases often are categorized based on two factors: 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.

Defensive tactics can draw on either the item, the method, or both: In some cases, 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).

Is Shoplifting Considered Theft in Windsor, 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.

Accused of Theft in Windsor, MO? Take These 7 Steps

If you’ve just been arrested for stealing in Windsor, 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 ensure that your rights are respected. Plead the fifth, get in touch with your lawyer, and collect anything evidence that has to do with your case.

Follow these steps to set yourself up for a positive outcome:

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. Obey Court Orders — After posting bail, obey all court requirements to avoid going back to jail.
4. Tell Your Windsor, 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 Your Case — Your lawyer can help you understand the statute(s) you’re accused of violating, and the potential penalties for a conviction.
6. Gather Evidence — Evidence can help your Windsor, MO, theft lawyer show reasonable doubt.
7. Decide on a Defense — Looking at the totality of your case, your lawyer can recommend the best way forward.

Why You Need an Experienced Windsor, MO, Theft Lawyer

Your theft defense attorney plays a key role in protecting your rights. Whatever stage you’re at in the criminal justice process, it’s essential to have a lawyer at your side, guiding you through it.

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

Your lawyer is ready to take your case. A lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the best outcome possible. Contact our team today to start building your defense: (314) 900-HELP

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft Charges in Missouri

There are lots of things that can change the criminal class of an alleged theft. For the most part, the higher the value of the supposedly stolen property, the more serious the accusation. 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, 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 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 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.
• Any alleged thefts wherein the supposed offender has had three prior stealing convictions, on separate occasions, within the last 10 years.
• Stealing mail before it reaches the recipient.

Class D Misdemeanor Theft

• Stealing property that was not named above, is worth less than $150, and the alleged offender has no prior theft convictions on their criminal record.

For charges of theft that don’t fit into the above categories, theft is classified as a class A misdemeanor.

Theft-Related Charges and Their Penalties

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

In Windsor, MO, burglary is considered trespassing with the intent to break another law. This crime is often a form of theft, but not always.

Robbery

Robbery is the term used for violent theft. In Missouri, If a weapon was used, a victim was hurt, or the supposed perpetrator made violent threats, the crime would count as robbery.

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 not always a form of physical theft, and instead can just involve the taking of another person’s identifying information, so that you could impersonate them. Missouri law also specifies an intent aspect: Identity theft must be done with the intention to commit theft.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud isn’t just one activity in Windsor, 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.

Possible Defenses to Stealing Accusations in Windsor, MO

If you’re facing a theft charge in Windsor, MO, you need a proven defensive strategy to protect your freedom. 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 applies when the alleged offender believed they had permission to take the property.
• Actual Ownership — Actual ownership can help in cases where someone is accused of stealing something but actually has ownership rights.
• 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 — Part of the prosecution’s job is to prove you intended to steal an item. If we can disprove that, lack of intent is a valid defense strategy.
• 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 shows that the alleged offender was elsewhere at the time of the offense and could not have committed it.
• 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 — 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.

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

Why Combs Waterkotte is Windsor, 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.

This is why you should choose us to defend your case:

• 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 don’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
• We have scores of positive reviews from past clients.
• You get help building your case from a former law enforcement 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.

Start Building Your Theft Defense Today

The prosecutor’s office isn’t looking to take it easy on you. The defense you build now could make all the difference for your life. Combs Waterkotte is prepared to listen to your story and build your defense.

Speak with a theft lawyer in Windsor, MO, right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form to schedule a free consult.