Depending on the severity of the charge of theft, a person with theft charges may be facing years in jail or thousands of dollars in fines and court fees. If you or someone you know is facing a theft charge, contacting a trusted defense lawyer like MRD Lawyers is the best step you can take to protect yourself. Learn more about misdemeanor theft laws in Missouri, and what you should do if you are facing charges.
MISDEMEANOR THEFT STATUTE
Citation: MO Rev Stat § 570.030 (2015)
- A person commits the offense of stealing if he or she:
(1) Appropriates property or services of another with the purpose to deprive him or her thereof, either without his or her consent or by means of deceit or coercion;
(2) Attempts to appropriate anhydrous ammonia or liquid nitrogen of another with the purpose to deprive him or her thereof, either without his or her consent or by means of deceit or coercion; or
(3) For the purpose of depriving the owner of a lawful interest therein, receives, retains or disposes of property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it has been stolen.
- The offense of stealing is a class D misdemeanor if the property is not of a type listed in subsection 2, 3, 5, or 6 of this section, the property appropriated has a value of less than one hundred fifty dollars, and the person has no previous findings of guilt for a stealing-related offense.
- The offense of stealing is a class A misdemeanor if no other penalty is specified in this section.
- If a violation of this section is subject to enhanced punishment based on prior findings of guilt, such findings of guilt shall be pleaded and proven in the same manner as required by section 558.021.
See Felony Theft
PENALTY OF CONVICTION
Conviction for a theft charge can have a wide range of penalties depending on the details of the case. If convicted, the subject may carry a charge of up to one year in jail with a fine up to $1000 (class A), or a fine up to $500 (class D).