Theft Crimes Attorney in Kansas City, MO

Protecting Clients’ Rights and Interests Through Strong Defense Representation

Taking someone else’s property without permission or payment is against the law, but theft cases aren’t always this simple. Being charged with a property crime like stealing can result in criminal penalties, including prison time and fines, but there are ways to defend yourself against these accusations.

Don’t try to navigate the criminal justice system alone. The Benjamin Law Firm, LLC is here to help defendants in Benton, MO, and the greater Kansas City area who are facing theft charges. We can review your case, explain what’s happening and what to expect, and outline a defense strategy. Call our office to schedule your consultation.

What Constitutes a Theft Crime?

Missouri law doesn’t include an official charge of theft in its statutes. Instead, the law refers to it as stealing a person’s property. Stealing is defined as taking the property or services of another person without their consent or by “means of deceit or coercion.” Stealing charges can also apply if someone receives or disposes of property that they knew to be stolen.

Robbery is also a property theft crime, but it’s different from stealing because it involves taking property through the means of threat or force.

For example, shoplifting would be considered stealing, while a mugging would be considered robbery. Burglary is another charge that is often involved in these situations if the defendant broke into the person’s home or property in the process of the theft.

How Is Stealing Classified?

Stealing can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of property that was involved and its assumed value. It ranges from a Class A felony to a Class D misdemeanor as follows.

Class A felony: The stolen property was a tanker truck, rail tank car, bulk storage tank, field nurse, field applicator, or field tank containing anhydrous ammonia
Class B felony: The property consisted of liquid nitrogen, anhydrous ammonia, livestock, or captive wildlife. This felony theft charge also applies if the property was a car, boat, or aircraft and the defendant had previous convictions
Class C felony: The property was valued at $25,000 or more or was an ATM machine
Class D felony: The property was valued at $750 or more. This charge also applies if the defendant physically took the property off of the alleged victim, such as in pickpocketing. First-offense stealing of a car, boat, or aircraft falls into this category, as does stealing a firearm
Class E felony: The property was an animal, catalytic converter or a piece of mail. Someone can also be charged with a Class E felony if they have had three previous stealing convictions within 10 years

Misdemeanor theft charges for stealing apply if the property is not otherwise listed under the felony statutes, there were no previous convictions, and the property is valued at less than $150.

What Are the Penalties for a Stealing Conviction?

The legal penalties for a stealing conviction vary depending on the type and value of the property, but they generally involve potential jail time and fines. The maximum sentence for Kansas City theft felony charges and misdemeanor charges is outlined below.

Class A felony: 30 years or life in prison
Class B felony: 15 years in prison
Class C felony: 10 years in prison; $10,000 fine
Class D felony: 7 years in prison; $10,000 fine
Class E felony: 4 years in prison; $10,000 fine
Class A misdemeanor: 1 year in jail; $2,000 fine
Class D misdemeanor: $500 fine

These are serious penalties that can have a long-term effect on your life. An experienced criminal defense attorney plays a key role in helping you mitigate these consequences.

Can a Theft Conviction Be Expunged?

Everyone makes mistakes, but when those mistakes result in criminal convictions, they can follow you around forever. One option to help clean your criminal record is an expungement. Property crimes, which include those related to theft and stealing, are generally able to be expunged. However, there are certain criteria that must be met to petition the courts for an expungement. You can only expunge one felony and two misdemeanors throughout the entire course of your life, according to Missouri law. Some serious felonies are not eligible for expungement.

To request an expungement, you must wait at least seven years after your sentence is served for a felony and at least three years for a misdemeanor. You cannot have any additional convictions or any pending charges against you. An attorney can help you determine whether your conviction is eligible for expungement and start the process for you.

Why Do You Need a Theft Crimes Lawyer in Kansas City?

Being accused of stealing or receiving property stolen can change the entire course of your life. These allegations can result in serious felony charges, and a conviction could mean spending the next years of your life behind bars. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options to fight these charges and use their legal knowledge and experience for your benefit. They understand how these crimes are prosecuted and what evidence investigators are likely to rely on and can develop a strategy that pokes holes in their narrative and opens up reasonable doubt in your case.

If you’ve been charged with theft related offenses in Kansas City, call Benjamin Law Firm, LLC at 816-846-2219. We can schedule you an appointment with one of our attorneys to review your case and discuss how our firm can help. Reach out today to get this process started.