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Property Crimes
RSMo 569.180effective 01 Jan 2017

Possession of burglar's tools

In plain English

It is a crime to have tools made or commonly used for breaking into buildings if the person has them in order to break in, or knows someone else plans to use them to break in illegally. This is a class E felony, which is the lowest level felony in Missouri.

Penalties named in this law
class E felonyup to 4 years in prison

Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.

Word-for-word law

569.180. Possession of burglar's tools — . — 1. A person commits the of possession of burglar's tools if he or she possesses any tool, or other article adapted, designed or commonly used for committing or offenses involving into , with a purpose to use or knowledge that some person has the purpose of using the same in making an forcible entry into a building or or a room thereof.

2. The offense of possession of burglar's tools is a .

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Source & history notes

(L. 1977 S.B. 60, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17 (1984) It is not necessary that the tools be "breaking" tools but only that they be adapted, designed or commonly used for committing or facilitating offenses involving forcible entry into the premises. A flashlight and a pair of gloves can qualify as burglar's tools. State v. Adkins (Mo.App.), 678 S.W.2d 855.

View official source

Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.

RSMo 569.180: Possession of burglar's tools | KnowMo Laws