In Texas, it is considered a serious crime to be charged with theft. If this has happened to you, it is essential to take this charge seriously right from the beginning. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Conroe can help you fight your charges and possibly avoid a lengthy prison time and thousands of dollars in fines, along with other penalties, depending on the nature of your charges.
At The Napier Law Firm in Conroe, Texas, our professional attorney appreciates how severe theft charges can be. We are always available to help you. Having an accomplished lawyer on your side is critical with these complex criminal cases.
Theft occurs when someone illegally appropriates someone else’s possessions and property intending to dispossess the owner of said items. A theft crime can have a charge of misdemeanor or felony, depending on the dollar amount of the stolen possession and if a weapon was used during the crime.
If you have been charged with theft, reach out to a seasoned Conroe theft attorney to help you fight the charges for you.
Types of Theft Charges in Conroe
A theft charge can encompass a broad array of crimes, but the severity of the charges often relies on the value of the possessions.
Common theft charges include:
- Class C Misdemeanor theft with a maximum penalty of $500 for property worth less than $50
- Class B Misdemeanor theft with up to 180 days in jail and a maximum penalty of $2,000 for property worth between $50 and $500
- Class A Misdemeanor theft with up to one year in jail and a maximum penalty of $4,000 for property worth between $500 and $1,500
- State Jail Felony theft: between 180 days to two years in jail and a maximum penalty of $10,000 for property worth between $1,500 and $20,000
- Third-Degree Felony theft: between two to ten years in jail and a maximum penalty of $10,000 for property worth between $20,000 and $100,000
- Second-Degree Felony theft: between two to twenty years in jail and a maximum penalty of $10,000 for property worth between $100,000 and $200,000
- First-Degree Felony theft: between 5 to 99 years in jail and a maximum penalty of $10,000 for property worth more than $200,000
Misdemeanor theft happens when a person unlawfully takes another person’s possession without their consent, and the value must be less than $1,500. The most typical kind of misdemeanor theft involves shoplifting.
Felony theft occurs when the property is worth more than $1,500.
If you are facing any of these charges, we are here to help defend you.
Whatever type of theft charge you’re facing, we’re here to help you defend your rights.
Frequently Committed Theft Crimes in Conroe
The following are some common theft crimes:
- Writing bad checks
- Buying stolen property
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Firearm theft
- Forgery
- Car theft
- Robbery
Being Charged with Shoplifting
Shoplifting, which is stealing or intending to steal items from a store without paying, is one of the most common forms of theft in Texas. In fact, studies show that one out of every 11 people is caught shoplifting.
A person can be charged with shoplifting even if they have not committed the crime—the intention needs to be clear. For example, disabling anti-theft tags or switching price tags are all acts of theft.
Being charged with shoplifting is a serious matter; it’s critical to get legal help in order to avoid costly fines, penalties, and more.
Writing Fraudulent Checks
Also called a hot check, this happens when someone knowingly writes a check for an amount that cannot be withdrawn. If someone writes a check for thousands of dollars to purchase a vehicle, for example, the seller may not know that the account does not have the correct amount for a few days.
Sometimes this can happen by mistake if you didn’t realize that your account is running low. Prosecutors must show proof of intent to steal.
These are just a couple common theft crimes that can incur weighty penalties.
Penalties for Theft Crimes
Punishment for theft charges can be quite severe, ranging from jail or prison time, hefty fines, community service, probation, and restitution. On top of that, a theft crime conviction will show up on your criminal record, which anyone can access.
Having a criminal record can make it challenging to obtain employment, loans, housing, and education. If you have a professional license, it may be in jeopardy if knowledge of the conviction is known. This can have a severe impact on your life and future.
We Can Help You Fight Your Case
If you have been arrested or accused of theft in Conroe, you may need legal help right away. The criminal defense lawyer at The Napier Law Firm can provide powerful representation throughout your case.
We are available to fight your theft charges and advocate for your rights.