Stealing Charges in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO - for as little as $450

Did you recently get cited for stealing in or near Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO? Do you know if the value of the goods stolen was more or less than $500? Do you know why that is such an important distinction? Are you in the process of figuring out you rights and options? If you are thinking about pleading guilty, do you fully understand the consequences involved with that decision? For instance, do you know that a plea of guilty will result in a conviction going onto your permanent record? Are you familiar with the benefits of hiring an experienced attorney to help you through the process?

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

In addition to these possible sentences, there are also the long term consequences involved with pleading guilty to such a charge. For instance, a conviction for stealing on your record will result in a very difficult time getting a decent job or renting a good apartment (because the employer or landlord will likely run a criminal background check). And if you are currently receiving any sort of governmental benefits (like food stamps, or unemployment security, or public housing), then the conviction could easily result in a denial of any future benefits.

But we have a much different plan in mind!! The first thing we would want to do is look very closely at the facts surrounding your particular case to determine if there are any viable defenses that can be asserted on your behalf (to see about getting the charges dropped altogether). We can also work with the local prosecutor in an attempt to get the charge reduced to a lesser infraction (such as “littering,” which does not show up on your record at all). And at the very least, we could work out an SIS with the court. An SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence) involves a period of probation (usually one to two years), and so long as you are not caught doing anything else during that period of time (like stealing) then the original charge drops off for good.

The affordable St. Louis stealing defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company, have been helping people with their theft charges for over ten (10) years. Our goal is to make sure that the charges leveled against you do not stay on your permanent record, and do any lasting damage. And we want to do all of this at an affordable price. The fees for a typical shoplifting case start at $450. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today!!

We have two main locations: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 1 North Taylor (on the corner of Taylor and Laclede), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019. The initial consultation is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!