Don't Let a Theft Charge Derail Your Future. We Can Help.
Any theft charge is a serious allegation, and while theft is the second most common criminal charge in the Lone Star State (drug crimes are #1), larceny/theft is the most frequently reported crime overall across the state of Texas.
If you’ve been accused of theft, our primary goal is to have the charges dismissed.
Our team will carefully review the case against you, looking for weaknesses. This includes reviewing all witness statements, any video footage, and carefully combing police reports to ensure that you get the best possible defense.
The long-term consequences of theft extend beyond fines and jail time.
You may lose individual rights and privileges. This may include:
- Your right to possess a firearm
- Your right to vote
- Your immigration status
- Custody or visitation rights
Theft Charges in Texas
The Texas Penal Code describes theft as follows:
31.03. THEFT.
(a) A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.
(b) Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
- it is without the owner’s effective consent;
- the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
- property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
As a criminal charge, theft covers a range of offenses, including but not limited to shoplifting, embezzlement, bouncing checks (which may also constitute fraud), theft of services, larceny, or purchasing stolen property with the knowledge that it was previously obtained unlawfully.
Like all other crimes, the classification of the charge depends on the value of the item in question.
Penalties and Consequences for Theft Convictions in Texas
Fines for theft charges range from a maximum of $500 for a Class C misdemeanor to a maximum of 99 years in prison for a first-degree felony. The maximum fine is $10,000.
Here are the penalty ranges for a first-time offender in the state of Texas.
|
Property Value |
Classification |
Maximum penalty |
|
Less than $100 |
Class C misdemeanor |
$500 fine |
|
$100 or more but less than $750 |
Class B misdemeanor |
Up to 180 days in a county jail; $2,000 fine |
|
$750 or more but less than $2500 |
Class A misdemeanor |
Up to one year in county jail; $4,000 fine |
|
$2500 or more but less than $30,000 |
State jail felony |
Up to two years in state jail; $10,000 fine |
|
$30,000 or more but less than $150,000 |
Third-degree felony |
Up to 10 years in a state prison; $10,000 fine |
|
$150,000 or more but less than $300,000 |
Second-degree felony |
Up to 20 years in a state prison; $10,000 fine |
|
$300,000 or more |
First-degree felony |
Up to 99 years in a state prison; $10,000 fine |
Don’t Let One Mistake Define Your Life
Our team brings compassion and a commitment to real outcomes. Whether it’s working to get the charges against you dismissed, negotiating for pretrial diversion, or fighting in court, we’re ready to work tirelessly to protect your future.
