Houston Theft Crime Lawyers

Criminal Attorneys for Texas Theft Offenses

Under Texas state law, theft is defined as the offense of unlawfully appropriating another person’s property with the intent of depriving the owner of the property. A perpetrator may take another’s property without the property owner’s knowledge, may use force or threats to steal the property directly from the owner, or may deceive the owner in to surrendering his or her property to the perpetrator. Depending on the value of property taken and the nature of the offense (violent or non-violent, and against whom) the offender may face different penalties upon a conviction.

If you know someone who is facing theft charges or have been arrested or are under investigation for theft of any kind, it is crucial that you consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A legal professional is going to be extremely beneficial throughout the criminal process, asserting your rights and protecting your interests every step of the way.

Penalties for Theft in Houston, Texas

Specific penalties for theft in Texas may vary, but following are the basic penalties that may be enforced for a conviction of this kind:

• Theft of property valued at $500 to less than $1,500 – Class A Misdemeanor – Fine of up to $4,000, imprisonment in jail for up to 1 year, or both.
• Theft of property valued at $1,500 to less than $20,000 – State Felony – Fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for 180 days to 2 years.
• Theft of property valued at $20,000 to less than $100,000 – Third Degree Felony – Fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for 2 to 10 years.
• Theft of property valued at $100,000 to less than $200,000 – Second Degree Felony – Fine of up to $10,000 and 2 to 20 years in prison.
• Theft of property valued at $200,000 or more – First Degree Felony – Fine of up to $10,000 and 5 to 99 years imprisonment.

Enhanced penalties may apply if the perpetrator was in possession of or discharged a firearm in the commission of the offense.

To learn how you can avoid the serious penalties associated with a theft conviction in Texas, contact a Houston theft crime attorney at Guy L. Womack & Associates.