Arrested or Charged with Stealing (RSMo § 570.030) in Missouri?

Discovering you’ve been charged with stealing can be a terrifying experience that turns your world upside down. Whether the charges stem from a misunderstanding, poor judgment, or false accusations, the consequences of a theft conviction can follow you for years.

This article explains what you need to know about stealing charges under Missouri law, the potential penalties you face, and how our criminal defense team can help protect your rights and future.

Stealing Under Missouri Law (RSMo § 570.030)

Under RSMo 570.030, a person commits the offense of stealing if they appropriated property or services of another with the purpose to deprive them of it or its value, either without the owner’s consent or by deceit or coercion. The law covers various forms of theft, including:

• Taking someone else’s property without permission
• Obtaining property through deception or fraud
• Receiving stolen property knowing it was stolen
• Keeping found property without attempting to return it to the owner
• Using services without paying when payment is required

The prosecution must prove that you intentionally took someone else’s property with the specific purpose of permanently depriving them of it. This intent element is crucial to the case and often becomes a key focus of the defense strategy.

Theft Crime Classifications Missouri: Felony vs. Misdemeanor

The severity of theft charges largely depends on the value of the property involved and your criminal history. Missouri law classifies stealing offenses as follows:

Misdemeanor Stealing

• Property valued under $750: Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $2,000
• Property valued under $150: May be charged as a Class D misdemeanor with a fine up to $500, if the defendant has no prior stealing offenses

Felony Stealing

• Property valued $750 or more: Class D felony carrying 2 to 7 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
• Property valued $25,000 or more: Class C felony with 3 to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine
• Certain circumstances can elevate charges: Missouri law lists over a dozen categories of property that result in felony stealing charges regardless of value — including firearms, credit cards, controlled substances, motor vehicles, and any property taken from the person of another (RSMo § 570.030.3)

Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties

Several factors can enhance penalties and lead to more serious charges:

Prior Convictions

If you have previous theft-related convictions, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties or charge you as a persistent offender, which can result in significantly longer prison sentences.

Vulnerable Victims

Stealing from someone over 60 years old or a person with a disability automatically elevates the charge to a higher classification.

Value Enhancements

The total value of stolen property in related incidents can be combined to reach higher felony thresholds.

Method of Theft

Using deception, breaking into buildings, or stealing from retail establishments during business hours can result in additional charges beyond simple stealing.

Defending Against Stealing Charges

When you’ve been charged with stealing in Missouri, these defense strategies may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your case:

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you believed you had permission to take the item or intended to return it, this could form the basis of a strong defense.

Mistaken Identity

Surveillance footage isn’t always clear, and witness identifications can be unreliable. We thoroughly investigate whether you were properly identified as the person who committed the alleged theft.

Ownership or Right to Property

If you had a legitimate claim to the property or reasonably believed you had the right to take it, this can serve as a complete defense to stealing charges.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We carefully examine all evidence, including witness statements, surveillance video, and physical evidence, to identify weaknesses in their case.

Constitutional Violations

If police violated your rights during the investigation, arrest, or questioning, we may be able to suppress illegally obtained evidence, potentially resulting in reduced or dismissed charges.

The Court Process for Stealing Charges

Understanding what happens after you’ve been charged with stealing can help reduce some of your anxiety about the court process:

• Initial Appearance: You’ll appear before a judge who will inform you of the charges and set bail if you’re in custody.
• Arraignment: You’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We strongly recommend pleading not guilty initially to preserve all your options.
• Discovery: Your attorney will review all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you, including police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence.
• Plea Negotiations: We’ll work with prosecutors to explore possible plea agreements that might result in reduced charges or more favorable sentencing recommendations.
• Trial: If we cannot reach an acceptable plea agreement, we’ll be fully prepared to defend you at trial.

Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties

A stealing conviction can impact your life in ways that extend far beyond fines and potential jail time:

• Employment: Many employers conduct background checks, and theft convictions can make it difficult to find work, especially in positions involving money handling or access to valuable property.
• Professional Licenses: Certain professions may suspend or revoke licenses following theft convictions, affecting your ability to work in your chosen field.
• Housing: Landlords often run background checks, and theft convictions can make it challenging to secure rental housing.
• Immigration Status: Non-citizens may face deportation proceedings following theft convictions, as these are considered crimes of moral turpitude.
• Future Criminal Charges: A theft conviction on your record can lead to enhanced penalties if you face any future criminal charges.

​​Why You Need a Missouri  Lawyer With Experience in Stealing Cases

Facing stealing charges without experienced legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage. Prosecutors handle these cases regularly and know how to build strong cases against defendants. You need an equally knowledgeable Missouri theft defense attorney working to protect your interests.

Take Action to Protect Your Future With Rose Legal Services

If you’ve been charged with stealing in Missouri, the decisions you make now will significantly impact the outcome of your case. The sooner we can begin working on your defense, the better your chances of achieving a favorable result.

We’ll be fully prepared to present a compelling defense on your behalf. We know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Call Rose Legal Services now for your confidential consultation and let us begin building your defense immediately. Your defense starts with a conversation.