In Missouri, stealing becomes a felony at $750. Below that, it is usually a misdemeanor, but certain kinds of property, a theft taken directly from a person, and a history of prior stealing offenses can make even a small theft a felony.
This guide covers the dollar thresholds and felony classes under RSMo 570.030 as amended effective August 28, 2025, the property that is a felony regardless of value, how values can be added together, and how stealing cases are defended.
The thresholds
How much do you have to steal for a felony in Missouri?
$750. Value sets the baseline class, under RSMo 570.030.
Less than $150
A class D misdemeanor, which carries a fine but no jail, if the property is not a specially listed type and the person has no prior stealing-related findings of guilt.
Under $750
Generally a class A misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, when no other penalty applies.
$750 or more
A class D felony, up to seven years.
$25,000 or more
A class C felony, 3 to 10 years.
Regardless of value
What kinds of stealing are a felony no matter the value?
The statute lists property and circumstances that are felonies at any amount.
Class D felony, at any value, includes stealing:
- Property taken physically from the person of the victim
- A motor vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft
- A firearm or explosive weapon
- A credit card, debit card, or letter of credit
- A controlled substance
- Livestock, captive wildlife held under permit, and certain other listed items, including wire and equipment used for electrical, gas, or telecommunications service
Class E felony, at any value, includes stealing an animal, a catalytic converter, or a package or letter delivered by a carrier and not yet received, and any stealing by a person with three prior stealing-related findings of guilt on separate occasions within ten years.
Higher classes apply to stealing from an ATM (class C), organized retail theft above set amounts (class C or B), and a vehicle theft by a person with two prior stealing-related offenses within ten years (class B).
Adding it up
Can separate thefts be added together to make a felony?
Yes, when they are part of one scheme or course of conduct.
Under RSMo 570.030.11, the value of property taken under one scheme or course of conduct, from one owner or several and at one time or several, can be aggregated to determine the class of the offense. An employee accused of taking small amounts over months can face a felony based on the total.
Value is often disputed. Under RSMo 570.020, value generally means the market value of the property at the time and place of the theft, with replacement cost used only when market value cannot be determined; for merchandise taken from a store, it is the price the store normally charges. The State’s evidence of value is not always as strong as the charging document suggests. When a case sits near the $750 or $25,000 line, value can be the whole fight.
Defenses
How do you defend a stealing charge in Missouri?
By testing intent, value, and identification.
- Intent to deprive. Stealing requires the purpose to deprive the owner of the property. Honest mistakes, a belief the property was yours, or borrowing with permission are not stealing.
- Value. The class depends on proven value. Challenging it can turn a felony into a misdemeanor.
- Receiving stolen property. When the charge is based on receiving or keeping property, the State must prove the person knew or believed it was stolen.
- Identification and video. Store video, receipts, and inventory records often tell a more complicated story than the first report.
- Prior findings. When a charge is enhanced by priors, those priors must be pleaded and proven, and whether each one qualifies is worth checking.
Restitution matters to many victims and prosecutors, and it can affect how a case is resolved, but paying it back does not by itself end a criminal case.
FAQ
Missouri stealing questions
What is the felony theft amount in Missouri?
$750. Stealing property or services worth $750 or more is a class D felony under RSMo 570.030. Stealing worth $25,000 or more is a class C felony.
Is shoplifting a felony in Missouri?
Usually not, if the value is under $750 and there are no qualifying priors. It becomes a felony at $750, when it is part of organized retail theft, or when the person has three prior stealing-related offenses within ten years.
Is stealing a car a felony in Missouri?
Yes. Stealing a motor vehicle is a class D felony regardless of value, and a class B felony for a person with two prior stealing-related offenses on separate occasions within ten years.
Is stealing a gun a felony in Missouri?
Yes. Stealing any firearm is a class D felony at any value.
Can a stealing charge be expunged in Missouri?
Many stealing offenses can be expunged after the waiting period, if the rest of the record qualifies. Eligibility depends on the offense class and the person’s history.
See our felony theft defense and expungement pages, or call 573-638-8529. How the classes work: Missouri felony classes and sentencing. Charged with burglary too? See burglary charges in Missouri. Vehicle case? See tampering with a motor vehicle. Forged checks or cards? See forgery and identity theft.
Talk to us
The line between a misdemeanor and a felony is worth fighting over.
If you have been charged with stealing in Cole, Boone, Callaway, or elsewhere in Missouri, call before your first court date.
Attorney advertising. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. This article is general information about Missouri stealing law as of October 2026, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any case depends on its facts.
© 2026 Vindex Law, PC · 235 East High Street, Suite 102, Jefferson City, MO 65101