1. A person does not commit an offense by damaging, tampering with, operating, riding in or upon, or making connection with property of another if he or she does so under a claim of right and has reasonable grounds to believe he or she has such a right.

2. The defendant shall have the burden of injecting the issue of claim of right.

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Terms Used In Missouri Laws 569.130

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • Property: includes real and personal property. See Missouri Laws 1.020

3. No person who, as a tenant, willfully or wantonly destroys, defaces, damages, impairs, or removes any part of a leased structure or dwelling unit, or the facilities, equipment, or appurtenances thereof, may inject the issue of claim of right.