Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

I would suggest you at least speak with a lawyer. A theft charge is a damaging thing to have on a resume. Employers are reluctant to hire someone with a record, even if it was stealing just $1.50 worth of chicken. Prison time is unlikely for a first time offender, but I would expect a fine and probation if you are convicted or plead guilty.

Feel free to contact me if you want to talk about your options.

Sean Santoro/Licensed in KS and MO

I think that it is very important for you to hire an attorney. If this is a municipal court case it will not cost you a great deal of money, and even if it is in state court, the attorney's fees should be very reasonable. In many of these cases we are able to negotiate a plea bargain, if we are not able to defend the charge, and we are usually able to avoid incarceration. In many cases we are also able to avoid a convictin being entered upon yhour recvord. If htis happened in the Eastern part of the state, you may contact me for a free consultation. I have handled many of these cases over the thirty-two years I have been practicing law.