Theft Crimes Attorney in Austin, TX
In a total crime analysis done by the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were an estimated 925,988 theft crimes committed in 2011. Nearly one million offenses equates to almost one theft victim for every 26 people living in Texas, assuming there weren’t any repeat theft victims. If you have been charged with theft of any kind, you’ll be faced with an extremely difficult case because of how experienced Texas prosecutors are with theft crimes. As your experienced theft attorney, I can help you with a defense strong enough to counter the prosecution.
Texas Penal Code 31.03 Theft
As defined in the Texas Penal Code, theft is unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive the owner of property. That being said, there is more that defines what can be considered theft in the state of Texas. In fact, there are 15 sections of penal code outlining exactly how many ways and in what manner you can be charged with theft. I can help you understand your specific charge and the possible consequences.
Petty Theft
In Texas, theft is categorized similarly to that of other states, graduating in severity form petty theft to greater amounts stolen. . If the value of the property stolen is less than $500, it’s categorized as a class B misdemeanor theft by the Texas Penal Code. Although the penalties for petty theft are not as severe as those for felonies, the lingering consequences can significantly affect your future. To avoid these possibly life-altering penalties, call me if you’ve been accused of petty theft. I’ll create a strong defense for your case to try to protect your freedoms and future.
Grand Theft
If the property that was stolen is valued at greater than $500 then it is can be categorized as a Class A misdemeanor all the way up to a first degree felony. The penalties for grand theft are much greater than those for petty theft, and include jail time or prison time as well as fines significant fines. These consequences can greatly impact your life and the stigma that follows a conviction like this isn’t something easily overlooked. If you’re facing grand theft charges, call me today and I’ll help defend your case.
Other Theft Crimes
Within the two categories mentioned above, there are also other theft crimes defined in the Texas Penal Code. Crimes like burglary, larceny, extortion, car theft, robbery, and armed robbery are have a theft component. While the consequences of each vary in severity, they all will have an impact on your future if convicted. Below you’ll find more information about each of more specific categories related to theft.
Burglary
This is any illegal entrance into a home, business, or other residence with the intent to steal or commit another crime. This is a felony charge separate from theft and if committed in conjunction with theft, will add to any sentence given for the theft conviction.
Larceny
Depending on the value of the property stolen, larceny will be charged either as misdemeanortheft mfelony theft.. Larceny is committed without violence and therefore is very different from robbery or burglary.
Extortion
Extortion is also a separate crime from theft and will carry with it its own sentence, consequences and penalties. Extortion is defined as the use of threat of future harm to steal money or property.
Car Theft
In Texas, car theft is not automatically considered felony theft unless the car is valued greater than $500. If there are no other aggravating circumstances, then the general theft laws of petty and grand theft prevail.
Robbery
A person commits robbery if while committing a theft he causes injury or threatens to cause injury to a person. This is a second degree felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
Armed Robbery
This crime is tried as aggravated robbery. Because robbery already uses the threat of immediate harm, armed robbery is simply stating or showing that the harm will be perpetrated by a weapon.