Theft Case Results in Hays, TX

Charge

Misdemeanor Theft

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

Police alleged our client took yard decorations during a group outing. A neighbor confronted the group, and officers later stopped the vehicle carrying several people, leading to a misdemeanor theft charge. We got in early, gathered the reports, and emphasized the client’s limited role and clean history. We negotiated entry into a pretrial diversion program and guided the client through orientation and a theft class while tracking compliance. After successful completion, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Theft (Felony)

Location

Hays County, 428TH DC

Allegations

Loss prevention detained our client after a store incident where a small item was left unpaid. Despite the low value, the case was filed as a felony based on prior theft history. The client initially accepted blame at the scene, but a companion later submitted a written statement claiming responsibility for the unpaid merchandise. We secured that statement, scrutinized the store's account of events, and emphasized the minimal value and conflicting narratives. Using that leverage, we pushed the prosecutor to reduce the charge and negotiated straight probation.

Charge

Theft (Class C)

Location

Hays County, Buda Municipal Court

Allegations

The client and friends visited a retail store where a small food item was opened and later set down and forgotten. They left, returned a short time later, and police were called, resulting in a citation for Class C theft. We got involved quickly, pressed for the evidence, and preserved a text message from another person apologizing for opening the item. We presented that context, along with the client's clean record, and questioned whether there was any intent to steal. The prosecutor agreed the case was not worth pursuing and dismissed it.