Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

It's up the state (the prosecuting attorney) to prove at trial that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are charged with stealing, you will need to have an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you. You can plead not guilty and go to trial, but that can be expensive and you risk losing and being convicted of stealing. Or your attorney can negotiate a plea bargain deal with the prosecutor to get your charge reduced to a less serious offense or dismissed after a period of probation.