Dallas Theft Lawyer

Theft is when someone takes another person’s property without permission and with the intent of depriving them of it. In most jurisdictions, theft is defined as taking something from someone with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. Theft can also be defined as taking something from someone to temporarily deprive them of its use. Sometimes, theft is a crime without requiring anything be taken at all. For example, possession of stolen goods or receiving stolen goods can be prosecuted as theft in such jurisdictions. You need the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney to avoid a theft conviction. Theft is a serious crime, and you need to take it seriously. If you are charged with theft, you will need to hire a Dallas theft defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Types of Theft Crimes

Theft offenses come in many different forms and can be committed in various ways. Theft offenses are usually classified as either shoplifting, robbery, or burglary.

Shoplifting is when an individual takes an item from a store without paying for it. Robbery is when someone steals an item, such as a vehicle, or money by threatening or using force. Burglary is the crime of breaking into someone’s home or business with the intent to commit a crime inside.

Federal theft crimes are any crimes that involve the unlawful taking of property from a person or entity that is considered to be federal.

Federal theft crimes are governed by 18 U.S.C. § 641, which covers the following:

• Embezzlement of public money, property, or records
• Fraud charges
• Identity theft
• Money laundering
• Robbery of the post office or postal employee
• Theft from interstate shipment
• Theft of mail matter
• Unauthorized use of intellectual property
• Unlawful entry into an enclosed space with the intent to commit a crime therein

When you are found guilty of committing white-collar crimes, the possible consequences are severe. A dedicated theft attorney might help you avoid the harshest penalties for theft.

Penalties for Theft Crimes

A theft crime can be charged anywhere from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the value of the property stolen.

An individual will face Class B misdemeanor theft charges if the stolen property is valued at $100 or more but less than $750, and Class C misdemeanor theft charges if the stolen property is less than $100.

Texas law defines theft of property valued at more than $750 but less than $2,500 as a Class A misdemeanor, the most severe misdemeanor charge.

According to Texas Penal Code Title 7, Chapter 31, state jail penalty theft involves stealing property whose value is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. A conviction for a state jail felony theft can result in spending from 6 months to 2 years in the state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.

A third-degree felony theft involves stealing property of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.

If someone is accused of stealing property valued at $150,000 or more but less than $300,000, they will most likely face second-degree felony theft charges.

If the stolen property is valued at $300,000 or more, the individual accused of this crime will face a first-degree felony theft charge.

Third, second, and first-degree felony convictions can result in spending anywhere between two to 99 years in prison.

Contact a Theft Crime Lawyer Today

No one should face theft charges on their own. Whether your case involves shoplifting or robbery, the seasoned legal team here at Spangler Law stands ready to effectively represent you, every step of the way. Contact a theft crime lawyer today.