Theft Case Results in Hays, TX

Charge

Burglary of a Habitation

Location

Hays County, 274TH DC

Allegations

After a campus event, our client was a guest at a shared college apartment. Intoxicated, he was put to bed and later knocked on a roommate's locked door calling for his partner. A 911 call brought officers, and the state charged him with burglary of a habitation, claiming he intended a sexual offense. We pulled bodycam video, gathered statements from the parent and residents who confirmed he had permission to be there and was looking only for his partner, and dismantled the state's theory of intent and unlawful entry. At trial, the jury agreed and returned a not guilty verdict.

Charge

Theft of Property (State Jail Felony)

Location

Hays County, 483rd District Court

Allegations

The client was accused of taking cash from a retail employer over a period of time by voiding cash sales, which an internal audit and security video allegedly tied to them. We obtained the discovery, including surveillance and point of sale records, and dug into how the loss totals were calculated. We highlighted valuation gaps, the client's steady employment, and gathered character letters and an apology, while arranging restitution. After sustained negotiations, the state agreed to a deferred adjudication term, keeping a conviction off the record if completed.

Charge

Forgery of a Financial Instrument

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

Police accused our client of using counterfeit cash to buy a smartphone during a private marketplace meetup, resulting in a felony forgery case. We documented that the device was recovered promptly and scrutinized the claimed financial loss. After challenging the loss calculations, we negotiated a resolution centered on accountability rather than punishment. The client completed a theft-awareness course and verified community-service hours, and we coordinated restitution through the prosecutor. The state then dismissed the case.

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.