San Antonio, TX Theft Crimes Lawyer - Michael & Associates, Attorneys at Law

An arrest for theft in San Antonio is a stressful, embarrassing, and potentially life-altering experience, especially if it occurs in a public place. But that arrest is just the start. Depending on the value of the stolen property and the case facts, theft charges in Bexar County can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. A conviction could result in jail time or even years in prison.

The good news? A conviction isn’t a foregone conclusion. If you’ve been charged with theft, shoplifting, or a related property crime in San Antonio or the surrounding counties, contact Michael & Associates today. Our San Antonio theft lawyers have decades of experience helping people fight back against criminal charges, including:

Shoplifting
Burglary
Robbery
Selling stolen goods
Auto theft

Why Choose Michael & Associates as Your San Antonio Theft Lawyer?

We’re not your average criminal defense firm. Our San Antonio team brings unmatched firepower and experience:

Over 400 years of combined legal experience
Our San Antonio team includes three former prosecutors and an ex-judge — we also have multiple attorneys who are fluent in Spanish
100% client satisfaction rate in San Antonio theft cases in 2025
Available 24/7 — nights, weekends, holidays
175+ five-star reviews for our San Antonio office
Free and confidential consultations

We proudly serve clients in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, Kendall, and Wilson counties.

Penalties for Theft Charges in San Antonio, TX

Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code defines theft as “the unlawful appropriation of property with intent to deprive the owner.” The severity of the charge depends on:

The value of the stolen property
Prior criminal history
Specific circumstances (e.g., who the victim was, or the type of property)

Here’s how theft charges and penalties break down for a first-time offender:

Amount	Classification	Penalty
Less than $100	Class C misdemeanor	Up to a $500 fine
$100 to $750	Class B misdemeanor	Up to 180 days in county jail; fine of up to $2,000
$750 to $2,500	Class A misdemeanor	Up to a year in county jail;Fine of up to $4,000
$2,500 to $30,000	State jail felony	Between six months to two years in state jail; Fine of up to $10,000
$30,000 to $150,000	Third-degree felony	Between two to ten years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000
$150,000 to $300,000	Second-degree felony	Between two and 20 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000
$300,000 or more	First-degree felony	Between five to 99 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000

Source: Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31

Enhanced penalties may apply if:

The stolen item was a firearm, livestock, ATM, or valuable metal (copper, brass, etc)
The victim was an elderly person, a nonprofit, or a government entity
The theft involved tampering with safety systems (e.g., disabling fire alarms or security tags)

Common Property Crimes in Bexar County

Not all theft charges involve taking something by force. Even intent alone can be sufficient to warrant charges. Our firm handles all types of theft-related offenses in San Antonio:

Shoplifting / Theft (§31.03)

Shoplifting is the most common theft offense in San Antonio, including tactics like tag switching, concealment, and walking out without paying. According to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, 57,840 people were arrested for larceny-theft in Bexar County in 2024.

Motor Vehicle Theft

San Antonio consistently ranks among the top Texas cities for auto theft. In 2024, 14,625 people were charged with motor vehicle theft in the San Antonio area. Due to the high value of the property, auto theft often results in felony charges.

Robbery (§29.02)

Robbery involves theft plus bodily injury or the threat of violence. It’s a violent felony with serious consequences. In 2024, Bexar County saw 1,851 robbery arrests.

Burglary (§30.02)

Burglary refers to unlawfully entering a building intending to commit theft or another felony. All burglary charges are felonies, and home burglaries are punished especially harshly. There were 9,093 burglary cases in Bexar County in 2024.

Burglary of a Vehicle (§30.04)

Even reaching into a car window to steal something can be charged as burglary. A third offense is automatically upgraded to a felony.

Strategic Defense from an Experienced San Antonio Theft Lawyer

When you hire Michael & Associates, you gain access to a comprehensive legal team, not just a single attorney. Our San Antonio attorneys bring experience from both sides of the courtroom — we have three former prosecutors, one former judge, and a fluent Spanish speaker. This wide range of experience gives us a distinct advantage when building your defense.

Our defense strategies may include working to prove:

Lack of intent – You didn’t mean to steal anything
Mistake of fact – You believed the property was yours
Coerced confession – You were pressured to admit guilt
Consent – You had permission to take or use the item
Duress – You were threatened or forced to commit the crime
Insufficient evidence – The state’s case is weak or incomplete
Entrapment – You were set up by law enforcement
Juvenile cases – We focus on rehabilitation over punishment

Whether it was a misunderstanding, false accusation, or poor judgment, we’re here to protect your rights and future.

Arrested for Theft in San Antonio? We Can Help

If you’re facing theft or shoplifting charges in San Antonio, don’t wait to get legal help. Michael & Associates has a proven track record of getting charges reduced, dismissed, or cleared through diversion programs.

We thoroughly review all incident reports and witness testimony, then build a customized defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and ensure your voice is heard.

Call (210) 791-7356 now or request a free case review online. Let us help you take control of your case — and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Defense in San Antonio

What Are the Most Common Types of Theft in Texas?

The 10 most common types of theft in Texas are:

Larceny / Theft (§31.03) – Shoplifting, stealing personal items, price tag switching
Theft by Check (§31.06) – Writing checks from closed or insufficient accounts
Credit or Debit Card Abuse (§32.31) – Using stolen, expired, or fake cards
Auto Theft – Also charged as Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (§31.07)
Theft of Services (§31.04) – Not paying for agreed-upon services
Organized Retail Theft (§31.16) – Group shoplifting operations
Identity Theft (§32.51) – Using another’s personal information without permission
Theft by Deception (§31.03) – Gaining property through trickery or lies
Cargo Theft (§31.18) – Stealing freight or commercial shipments
Theft of Trade Secrets (§31.05) – Stealing proprietary business information

What Should I Do If I’m Accused of Theft?

If you’re accused of theft, you need to take immediate action, even if you haven’t been arrested. You don’t want to make a mistake that could make the situation worse. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. You don’t want to try to deal with the police alone. In the meantime:

Remain silent. Don’t talk to police without legal representation.
Preserve evidence. Save receipts, messages, and witness contact info.
Avoid the accuser.
Understand the charges.
Stay off social media.

If you’re unsure of what your next steps should be, contact us at Michael & Associates. Our Dallas theft attorneys are ready to answer your questions.

How Can a Theft Conviction Impact My Future?

Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can have serious, lifelong consequences that may include:

Criminal record – Background checks will flag a theft conviction.
Employment issues – Theft is a crime of dishonesty, affecting job prospects and professional licensing.
Educational consequences – You may lose scholarships or be denied admission.
Immigration penalties – Theft convictions can lead to deportation or visa denial.
Repeat offender enhancements – Future charges may be more severe.

Can I Get a Theft Charge Expunged?

Expungement is possible in limited circumstances. You may qualify if:

You were found not guilty at trial.
Your charges were dismissed, and you were not convicted.
You completed a pretrial diversion program.
You completed deferred adjudication for a Class C misdemeanor.

If you’re not eligible for expungement, you may still qualify for a nondisclosure order, which seals your record from the public. Contact us today and we will talk you through the process.

More Bexar County Resources

How to visit an inmate in Bexar County

How to get someone out of jail in Bexar County

How much is bail in Bexar County?

Bexar County warrant search: How to find out if you have one

Our attorneys are ready to help 24 hours a day. We serve clients across the greater San Antonio area, including Boerne, Cibolo, Converse, New Braunfels, Helotes, Live Oak, Pleasanton, Schertz, Seguin, and Universal City.

Call for free case review

Ben Michael

Ben has vast experience in defending criminal cases ranging from DWIs to assault, drug possession, and many more. He has countless criminal charges dismissed and pled down. Among many other awards, one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Texas and winner of Top 40 under 40.

Michael&Associates

San Antonio, TX Theft Crimes and Shoplifting Defense Lawyer