St. Louis Grand Theft Attorney

Grand Theft Charges Threaten Your Future

If you or someone you care about has been accused of a serious theft offense, you are likely worried about jail, your job, and your record. A grand theft charge can mean a felony case, significant prison exposure, and consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. You need clear information and steady guidance, not scare tactics.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we focus on criminal defense and work with people facing high-stakes theft allegations. Our team can explain what your charges may mean, what the court process looks like, and what options might be available in your situation. 

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions at every step. Our attorneys bring over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience to each case, and both are former prosecutors.

To discuss your situation in a free, confidential consultation, call (314) 334-3807.

What Is Grand Theft in Missouri?

Missouri law does not technically use the term “grand theft.” Instead, theft offenses fall under the crime of stealing, governed by Missouri Revised Statute § 570.030. However, “grand theft” is a commonly used term that generally refers to high-value theft offenses that are charged as felonies.

Under Missouri law, a person commits stealing if they:

• Take property or services belonging to another
• Do so without consent or by deceit or coercion
• Intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property or its value

What separates misdemeanor theft from what people commonly call grand theft is typically the value of the property, the type of property stolen, or prior theft convictions.

Common examples of grand theft allegations include stealing vehicles, high-value electronics, construction equipment, firearms, or large sums of money. Because felony theft cases carry severe penalties, they demand a strategic and proactive legal defense.

Common Examples of Grand Theft Charges

• Grand theft accusations can arise in many situations, including:
• Theft of property valued over statutory thresholds
• Auto theft or motor vehicle theft
• Theft from an employer or business (employee theft or embezzlement)
• Stealing firearms or controlled substances
• Theft involving identity fraud or financial exploitation
• Organized retail theft

Even allegations that seem minor at first can quickly escalate into felony charges once prosecutors evaluate the value of the property or your criminal history.

Grand Theft Penalties in Missouri

The penalties for grand theft in Missouri depend on how the offense is classified. Stealing offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, but grand theft cases almost always involve felony charges.

Felony Theft Classifications

Class D Felony

• Theft of property or services valued at $750 or more but less than $25,000
• Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines

Class C Felony

• Theft of property valued at $25,000 or more, or certain protected items
• Punishable by up to 10 years in prison

Class B Felony

• Theft involving extremely high values or aggravating factors
• Punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison
• In addition to incarceration, a conviction may result in:
• Substantial fines
• Restitution to the alleged victim
• A permanent felony criminal record
• Loss of employment or professional licenses
• Difficulty securing housing or loans

Potential Legal Defenses to Grand Theft Charges

Every case is unique, but common defenses in Missouri grand theft cases include:

• Lack of intent since theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner
• Mistaken ownership or belief of right to property
• Consent from the alleged owner
• Insufficient evidence or unreliable witnesses
• False accusations or misunderstandings
• Improper valuation of property

Our experienced attorney tailors the defense strategy to the facts of your case and your long-term goals.

Grand Theft FAQs

Is grand theft always a felony in Missouri?

Most grand theft cases are charged as felonies due to the value or nature of the property involved, though some theft offenses may still qualify as misdemeanors depending on circumstances.

Can grand theft charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Charges may be reduced through negotiation, diversion programs, or by challenging the evidence. In some cases, charges can be dismissed entirely.

Will I go to jail for grand theft?

Jail or prison is possible, but not guaranteed. A skilled St. Louis grand theft defense lawyer can often pursue probation, suspended sentences, or alternative resolutions.

Does a theft conviction stay on my record?

Yes. A theft conviction results in a criminal record, and felony convictions are particularly damaging. Expungement may be possible in limited circumstances.

What should I do if I’m under investigation for grand theft?

Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC immediately to protect your rights.

Why Choose Our Theft Defense Team

When you are facing a felony-level theft allegation, you do not have time to teach your lawyer how these cases work. You need a defense team that already understands Missouri theft statutes, local charging practices, and the pressures that come with a potential felony record. That is the work we do every day.

Our attorneys at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti, have more than six decades of combined criminal defense experience. Both previously served as prosecutors, so we have seen grand theft and other property crime cases from the government’s side and the defense side. This background helps us anticipate the arguments a prosecutor may use and the evidence they may rely on, which in turn helps us look for weaknesses, overcharging, or gaps in proof.

We are also deeply involved in the legal community. Mark Hammer serves as a Lead Panel Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri’s Criminal Justice Act Program. Both of our attorneys are adjunct professors at Saint Louis University School of Law, where we teach future lawyers about criminal law and procedure. These roles reflect the trust courts and institutions place in our judgment, and they keep us current on developments that can affect your case.

Equally important, we understand that you are more than a case number. We offer one-on-one attention, straightforward communication, and real accessibility. When you work with our firm, our attorneys take the time to hear your side of the story and to explain your options in clear language. We work to return calls, answer questions, and prepare you for each appearance, so you are not walking into a courtroom in St. Louis without knowing what to expect.

Call (314) 334-3807 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and talk directly with an attorney about your situation,