Shoplifting Charges in St. Louis - for as little as $450

Most charges for shoplifting in St. Louis are described as theft. Such infractions usually occur at a retail store (that sells clothing and other consumer items). In most cases, a store security guard witnesses you putting merchandise into a bag or pocket. The guard then detains you, and may even perform a search of your person. The police are then called, and you are charged with shoplifting / theft.

There are two broad categories of theft: misdemeanor theft and felony theft.

As of January 1, 2017, the following laws regarding stealing / theft / shoplifting went into effect:

1. If you are caught with goods valuing less than $150, and you have had no prior stealing-related charges, it is a Class D Misdemeanor
2. If you are caught with goods valuing between $150 - $750, it is a Class A Misdemeanor
3. If you are caught stealing an animal; or if you have been previously found guilty of three 93) stealing-related cases within ten (10) years of the present case, it is a Class E Felony
4. If you are caught with goods valuing between $750 - $25,000, it is a Class D Felony
5. If you are caught with goods valuing $25,000 or more, it is a Class C Felony

Either way, it is far better to seek the aid of an experienced St. Louis shoplifting lawyer than to deal with the situation on your own.

The goal at The Bankruptcy Company is to first determine if your constitutional rights have been violated. For instance, if the security guard (or police officer who was later called to the scene) performed an impermissible search of your person, it is possible that any goods found on your person cannot be used against you (for the purposes of charging you with a crime). But even if you did make an error in judgment while at the store, our attorneys can still work very closely with the local prosecutor to get the charges reduced to a lesser infraction. Depending on your past record and other factors, it may be possible to receive a much lighter sentence and fine. But this outcome can only be achieved by hiring the right law firm for the job.

The experienced St. Louis shoplifting and theft lawyers at The Bankruptcy Company have been assisting people with their legal matters for years. We understand that when you are charged (fairly or unfairly) with a criminal citation, it is a frightening experience. Having someone on your side who is familiar with how the court system works, who can guide you through the process from start to finish, and who can answer all of your questions fully is incredibly important. This is the guiding philosophy of your law firm. The initial consultation is free of charge. Please call today to learn more.

We have two main offices: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 4500 West Pine (on the corner of Taylor and Pine), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019.