Theft Defense Lawyer

Theft in Texas is a broad legal category encompassing various unlawful actions that involve taking property or assets without the owner’s consent. These offenses can range from simple acts of shoplifting to complex white-collar crimes. Understanding the different types of theft is crucial for recognizing the scope of these offenses and the potential legal consequences.

Petty Theft (Misdemeanor Theft)

Petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at a lower amount, typically under $2,500. This category includes actions such as:

• Shoplifting: Taking items from a retail store without paying for them.
• Theft of Services: Failing to pay for services rendered, such as dining at a restaurant and leaving without settling the bill.
• Theft of Property: Taking another person’s belongings, such as a wallet or cellphone, without permission.

These offenses are usually classified as misdemeanors, with penalties that can include fines, community service, or short-term incarceration.

Grand Theft (Felony Theft)

Grand theft involves the unlawful taking of property with a higher value, typically $2,500 or more. This can include:

• Automobile Theft: Stealing a vehicle, which can range from taking a car from a parking lot to more sophisticated car theft rings.
• Theft of High-Value Items: Stealing valuable property such as jewelry, electronics, or large sums of money.

Grand theft is classified as a felony in Texas, with penalties ranging from state jail time to long-term imprisonment, depending on the value of the stolen property.

Burglary

Burglary is a specific type of theft that involves unlawfully entering a building or habitation with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony. There are several forms of burglary:

• Residential Burglary: Breaking into a home to steal valuables or commit another crime.
• Commercial Burglary: Entering a business or commercial property with the intent to steal or commit a felony.
• Vehicle Burglary: Breaking into a vehicle to steal items or the vehicle itself.

Burglary is considered a more serious offense because it involves trespassing, and it carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Robbery

Robbery occurs when theft is combined with violence or the threat of violence. It is classified into two main types:

• Simple Robbery: Taking property from another person using force or intimidation.
• Aggravated Robbery: Involves the use of a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury to the victim.

Robbery is a felony and is treated as a violent crime, leading to harsher penalties than theft alone, including significant prison time.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves unlawfully obtaining and using someone else’s personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, usually for financial gain. Types of identity theft include:

• Credit Card Fraud: Using stolen credit card information to make unauthorized purchases.
• Financial Identity Theft: Opening accounts or taking loans in someone else’s name.
  
  

Identity theft is a serious offense that can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, leading to severe penalties, including prison time and substantial fines.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a form of white-collar theft where someone unlawfully takes or misappropriates funds or property that they were entrusted to manage. Common examples include:

• Employee Embezzlement: An employee stealing money from a business or organization, often over time.
• Corporate Embezzlement: Executives or other individuals in positions of power diverting company funds for personal use.

Embezzlement is treated as a felony in Texas, and penalties can include significant prison time, especially if large sums of money are involved.

Fraud

Fraud encompasses various deceptive practices intended to unlawfully gain financial or personal benefits. Common types of fraud include:

• Credit Card Fraud: Using someone else’s credit card without permission.
• Insurance Fraud: Filing false claims to receive insurance payouts.
• Healthcare Fraud: Submitting false claims to health insurance companies or government programs like Medicare.

Fraud is typically classified as a white-collar crime, and the severity of the penalties depends on the amount of money involved and the impact of the fraud.

Forgery

Forgery involves altering, making, or using a false document with the intent to defraud. This can include:

• Check Forgery: Altering a check to increase its value or signing someone else’s name.
• Document Forgery: Creating or altering legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, or identification cards, for financial gain.

Forgery is a felony offense in Texas, and the penalties can be severe, especially if the forgery involves large sums of money or official documents.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Given the broad spectrum of theft-related offenses in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the specific charges you’re facing and the potential consequences. Theft crimes, particularly those classified as felonies or involving white-collar activities, can lead to severe legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.

An experienced theft attorney can provide essential guidance, help build a strong defense, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you’re dealing with a minor misdemeanor or a complex white-collar crime, having the right legal representation is vital to protecting your rights and future.