Generally, shoplifting in Missouri will not be a felony. There are specific circumstances in which shoplifting can be charged as a felony, but these are rare. Most of these instances involve an offender with at least three prior convictions or an ongoing scheme that results in a large amount of property taken, often over multiple occasions.

Technically, it is impossible to be charged with felony shoplifting. Missouri state law does not have a shoplifting statute; it only has a theft statute. Many minor shoplifting cases will be filed as city ordinance charges. These cases are heard in the local municipal court, and if you hire an attorney, they can often be amended to a lesser charge, such as jaywalking. Read more about ordinance shoplifting here. 

When Can Shoplifting Be a Felony?

Felony shoplifting must be charged under the Missouri stealing statute, RSMo 570.030. That statute provides that you can be charged with a felony for stealing if you have three prior stealing-related convictions in the last 10 years or if the amount stolen is $750 or more. That amount can be calculated by adding multiple thefts together, even if they occurred at different stores and times. 

First-time shoplifting of an amount under $150 is a class D misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine. Many people are tempted to plead guilty. This is a bad idea. Stealing charges can affect your employment, schooling, and housing options, and, more importantly, count as priors towards a felony charge. Just one conviction can make the next stealing charge a class A misdemeanor, punishable by jail. 

Shoplifting over $750 does not automatically result in a felony charge; it is at the prosecutor's discretion. There are a few situations that make this more likely, including a long-running scheme with numerous individual instances and cases where the amount is significantly over $750 (such as jewelry or high-end electronics).

What Can You Do If You Are Charged With Felony Shoplifting?

If you are charged with felony stealing, you need to hire an experienced attorney. Any felony can result in prison time. As a criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience, Ruth Beerup has successfully defended clients against serious charges. Give her a call today at (636) 940-1111 to see how she can help you.

Edited 1/27/2026