WHAT DO I DO IF I’M CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING IN MISSOURI

$Charged With Shoplifting$

If you’ve just been charged with shoplifting in Missouri, whether it was a misunderstanding, a lapse in judgment, or a moment that got out of control — don’t panic…but don’t ignore it either.

Shoplifting is a criminal offense in Missouri, and depending on the value of the items involved, it can lead to jail time, a permanent record, and major consequences for your future, including your job, housing, and reputation.

Here’s what you need to know about Missouri shoplifting laws, what to expect after a charge, and how an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can help protect your record and your rights.

WHAT IS SHOPLIFTING IN MISSOURI?

Shoplifting is legally classified as “stealing” under RSMo 570.030. It includes more than just walking out with unpaid merchandise. You can be charged with shoplifting if you:

Conceal merchandise
Alter or remove price tags
Swap packaging to pay less
Leave a store without paying for an item
Assist someone else in committing theft

Even attempting to steal can result in criminal charges—you don’t have to successfully leave with the item.

IS SHOPLIFTING A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY IN MISSOURI?

Excellent question. That depends on the value of the property allegedly stolen.

Under $150 (first offense)

Class D misdemeanor
Up to $500 fine, no jail time
Often eligible for diversion or dismissal with legal help

$150 or more, or any second offense

Class A misdemeanor
Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine

Over $750

Class D felony
Up to 7 years in prison and heavy fines

Repeat offenses or theft from multiple stores can also be combined into a felony charge if prosecutors allege a pattern.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU’RE CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING IN MISSOURI?

Here’s how a typical shoplifting case plays out:

Store security detains you and may call the police
Police issue a citation or arrest you on the spot
You’re given a court date
The prosecutor reviews your case and decides how to proceed
If convicted, you face jail time, fines, and a criminal record

Stores like Walmart, Target, and local retailers in the Kansas City area actively prosecute shoplifting cases and often have security footage, loss prevention reports, and staff ready to testify.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU’RE CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING

Do NOT talk to store security or police without a lawyer present

Anything you say can (and will) be used against you, even if you’re trying to explain or apologize.

Do NOT ignore the ticket or court date

Failure to appear can lead to a bench warrant and additional charges.
Contact a criminal defense attorney right away

The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of resolving the case without a conviction.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY SHOPLIFTING DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP

We’ve defended hundreds of shoplifting cases in Kansas City municipal and county courts. Our goal is always the same: keep you out of jail and protect your record.

Depending on your case, we may be able to:

Get your charges reduced or dismissed
Enroll you in a diversion program (first-time offenders)
Help you avoid a criminal conviction
Challenge weak or incomplete evidence (e.g., no video, mistaken identity)
Keep you out of court or minimize appearances
Pursue expungement down the road

Even if you think you’re guilty, you still have rights and we’re here to make sure they’re respected.

CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING IN KANSAS CITY OR MISSOURI?

Call KC Defense Counsel today. A single mistake shouldn’t define the rest of your life. Don’t risk a permanent record, jail time, or job loss by trying to handle a shoplifting charge on your own. Let us help you get past this and move forward with your life.

Call KC Defense Counsel today for a free consultation with one of our experienced and affordable Kansas City shoplifting defense lawyers near me in Missouri. We will work with you to build a strong defense, explore all possible outcomes, and fight for the best resolution.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.