Jefferson County, MO Theft Crimes Attorneys

Experienced Theft Attorneys in Festus Defending Your Rights

Facing theft charges can be overwhelming, but understanding the legal process is the first step toward protecting your rights. At Grafe & Batchelor P.C., we help individuals navigate the complexities of theft crime cases, from shoplifting to grand larceny. Learn how we can assist you in building a strong defense and seeking a favorable outcome.

If you have been charged with any theft-related crimes, you need to talk to us ASAP. Call us at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation right away.

What Constitutes Theft in Missouri?

Theft in Missouri is an offense with possible severe punishments up to and including jail terms if you’re convicted. Generally referred to as stealing, theft is an umbrella term that encompasses illegal activities like larceny, burglary, and robbery.

The key part of the definition to understand is “appropriating property or services belonging to another with the sole intent of depriving them of said property and/or services without their consent and/or with deceit or coercion.”

In simple terms, this means taking things that don’t belong to you forcefully or with deceit and without any intention of returning them to the rightful owner.

If you’re charged with theft, you can face anywhere from a 1 year to a 30-year jail term in Missouri. This is why you need a competent criminal defense attorney in Festus, MO, to represent you.

Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law is a criminal defense law firm in Jefferson County, MO, that has handled many criminal cases. Our experience might be able to help commute or lessen your sentence and/or fine.

Types of Theft Crime in Jefferson County, MO

Understanding the various types of theft is crucial to your case in Missouri. All types of theft aren’t the same, and some carry weightier sentences than others. The common theft types in Missouri are:

• Burglary
• Larceny
• Petty theft
• Theft
• Robbery
• Grand theft auto
• Forearm theft
• Check fraud
• Federal theft
• Shoplifting
• Deceptive trade practices
• Dishonest or untrue advertising

The penalties for all these are dependent on the severity of the crime.

Burglary Charges

For example, burglary involves breaking into a property or structure with the intent of stealing property and valuables.

There are two types of burglary charges: First-degree burglary is committed while someone is on the property, and can include threatening/injuring them with a deadly weapon. A second-degree charge is breaking in with the intent to steal, but without causing harm or threatening anyone.

First-degree burglary typically attracts harsher penalties than second-degree burglary.

When is a Theft Crime a Misdemeanor or Felony and Why is This Important?

The courts typically group theft offenses into two categories:

• Felony
• Misdemeanors

Missouri Theft Classes

In Missouri, getting charged with either a misdemeanor or felony charge depends on the severity of the crimes.

Class A Misdemeanor Theft

This category includes all theft crimes involving items or services less than $500. This is likely also the category where other theft crimes that cannot fit into most categories are placed. The penalty for Class A Misdemeanors in Missouri is usually a $1,000 fine or a year in prison.

Class A Felony Theft

This is a theft crime involving the threat of harm, or actual outright harm of someone else, during the act. It attracts a minimum of 10 years, and up to 30 years in jail. In some extreme cases, it might even warrant life imprisonment.

Class B Felony Theft

Individuals who steal items or properties worth at least $25,000 are often charged with Class B felony theft. This attracts a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 15 years in jail.

Class C Felony

This is a crime involving the theft of property or services worth more than $500, but less than $25,000. Recipients of these stolen properties and services are often also charged as guilty. If found guilty, the accused will likely serve a prison term of between 1 and 7 years. It also attracts a fine of up to $5,000 or twice the value of the stolen property or service, up to a max of $20,000. If you stole an item worth $7,500, the courts can ask you to pay a restitution/fine of $15,000 to the victim.

Class D Felony

Individuals who steal an animal or have been convicted twice or more on theft-related charges in the last 10 years fall under this category. The prison sentence is usually a maximum of 4 years, plus a fine of up to $5,000, or twice the value of the property or service, up to $20,000.

Grafe & Batchelor Can Help You

Our theft crimes law firm in Jefferson County, MO can aggressively fight for you. We’ll work hard to help you and possibly secure you a less punitive sentences.

With a combined 30 years’ experience in criminal defense, Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law are driven theft crime defense lawyers located in Festus, MO. Get in touch with us today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation.