If someone finds lost property and keeps it, that is not stealing — unless when they found it, there were clues that could have helped them figure out who the real owner is. The person accused of stealing gets to bring up the lost property issue in court if they want to use it as a defense.
570.060. Lost property. — 1. A person who lost property shall not be to have stolen that property within the meaning of section 570.030 unless such property is found under circumstances which gave the finder knowledge of or means of inquiry as to the true owner.
2. The shall have the of lost property.
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Red section numbers link to that law.
Source & history notes
(L. 1977 S.B. 60) Effective 1-01-79
Related Missouri laws
Stealing leased or rented property
RSMo 570.057
Feigned blindness
RSMo 570.053
Claim of right
RSMo 570.070
Cable television services, appropriation of
RSMo 570.039
Alteration or removal of item numbers with intent to deprive lawful owner
RSMo 570.085
Stealing
RSMo 570.030
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.