Criminal Defense
Felony Theft & Property Crime Defense in Missouri
A theft charge is often really a dispute about value, ownership, or intent. Where the amount crosses a threshold, it becomes a felony, with a record that follows you.
What you are facing
When is theft a felony in Missouri?
In Missouri, theft, or “stealing,” can be a misdemeanor or a felony, and the value of what was allegedly taken is frequently what pushes a case over the felony line. Because value can be disputed and intent can be misread, these cases are often more contestable than they first appear.
The range of charges
What counts as theft or a property crime?
Stealing & theft
Taking property or services. When the alleged value is high enough, or certain items are involved, the charge becomes a felony.
Receiving stolen property
Being accused of having property the State says was stolen, which often turns on what you knew and when.
Fraud & forgery
Allegations of deception, false documents, or misrepresentation, which frequently overlap with white-collar exposure.
Embezzlement & white-collar
Accusations of taking from an employer or through a position of trust, where the records tell the story and the intent is the fight.
How we defend a theft case
How do you defend a theft charge?
Intent
Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive. A misunderstanding, a borrowed item, or a genuine claim of right is not a crime, and we make the State prove otherwise.
Value
Because value often decides felony versus misdemeanor, we challenge inflated or unsupported valuations that push a case into felony territory.
Identity and the evidence
We test the identification, the surveillance, and the paper trail, and we protect your record with alternatives where they fit.
Answers
Missouri theft and stealing questions we hear
How much do you have to steal for a felony theft charge in Missouri?
Under RSMo 570.030, stealing property or services worth $750 or more is a class D felony, and $25,000 or more is a class C felony. Certain items, such as a motor vehicle, a firearm, or a credit card, and property taken directly from a person are felonies regardless of value. Because value is often estimated rather than proven, it is frequently one of the most contestable parts of a theft case. See every Missouri stealing threshold and class.
What makes theft a felony instead of a misdemeanor?
Usually the alleged value of what was taken, but not always. The type of property, prior convictions, and how the taking is said to have happened can all raise the level of the charge.
What if I did not intend to steal anything?
Then the State has a problem. Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive. A misunderstanding, a borrowed item, or a genuine claim of right is not a crime, and intent is frequently where these cases are won.
Will paying it back make the charge go away?
Not by itself. Restitution can matter to how a case resolves, but it does not erase the charge, and paying can sometimes be treated as an admission. Talk to a lawyer before you do it.
Can a theft conviction be kept off my record?
It depends on the charge, your history, and how the case is resolved. Missouri allows expungement in some circumstances, and how a case is structured at the outset can affect whether that is possible later.
Do you handle fraud and white-collar allegations?
Yes. Fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and allegations involving a position of trust often overlap with theft charges. Those cases turn on records and intent, and they are frequently more contestable than they first appear.
Where is your case? We defend theft, fraud, and property charges in Jefferson City and Cole County, Columbia and Boone County, and Fulton and Callaway County. Charged with burglary? See burglary charges in Missouri. Vehicle case? See tampering with a motor vehicle.
Talk to us about your case
A theft charge is not the whole story.
If you are facing a felony theft, fraud, or property charge, reach out. You can reach us by phone or email.
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