Theft Defense by a Professional Theft Attorney in Dallas, TX to Ensure the Best Protection of Your Rights
There are many situations where a person could be arrested for stealing. A theft lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.
When You May Need a Dallas Theft Lawyer
A theft charge is a crime in which 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 that something 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. Theft lawyerscan help build your case and give you a chance of getting the charges dropped or reduced to a lesser charge.
An experienced Houston theft attorney knows the most recently adopted laws regarding theft. If you have been accused of stealing or being in possession of stolen property, you should contact a local lawyer to assess your theft charges.
What is the Difference Between Theft and Robbery?
Although they both involve stealing, robbery and theft charges are different and do not involve the same crimes. Robbery is a theft-related crime committed with force or threat of violence. On the other hand, theft does not involve the use of force or violence and is usually done by stealth.
Criminal defense lawyers can further explain the differences and offer information and advice regarding a felony theft case. Robbery or an aggravated theft charge is more serious and is usually prosecuted as a felony offense. A theft attorney can help you understand what you need to do to minimize the charges in your situation.
What is a Theft Crimes Attorney?
A theft defense attorney is a legal professional who practices defending people charged with theft crimes. Theft crimes are usually divided into misdemeanor and felony charges. The most common theft crimes are shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and larceny.
A misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony charge, and its punishment is less severe. If someone has been charged with a misdemeanor, they will usually be sentenced to either jail time or probation. If they have been charged with a felony, they will be sentenced to prison time.
Attorneys who deal with theft charges can help their clients by providing defenses for their clients that might include:
1) The client did not intend to steal the property
2) The client was unaware that they had stolen the property
3) Another person stole the property
To develop a strong and potentially winning strategy, you will need the assistance of a criminal offense attorney experienced with felony offense cases. The right Dallas theft crime lawyer can help you avoid a guilty verdict for the theft crime and ensure your criminal record stays clean.
Types of Dallas Theft Crimes and Punishments
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.
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. 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 misdemeanortheft charges if the stolen property is less than $100.
Depending on the charge, an individual committing theft can pay a fine ranging from $500 to up to $4,000 and either spend up to a year in jail.
Felony Theft Crimes
On the other hand, state jail felony theft is the least severe felony theft charge. According to Texas Penal Code Title 7, Chapter 31, it involves stealing property whose value is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000.
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.
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. However, other felony convictions can result in spending from two to 99 years in prison.
What Are the Most Common Theft Crimes?
Theft crimes are the most common crime in the United States. Although both adults and children commit them, they are committed more often by adults. Theft crimes can range from petty theft to grand theft.
Petty theft is considered a type of misdemeanor charge. Although there isn’t a specific definition, it can be committed when a person takes property worth less than several hundred dollars without the consent of the owner or lawful possessor of that property. The punishment for this crime is up to six months in jail and up to $500 in fines.
It can be considered that a grand theft is committed when a person takes property worth more than $500 without the owner’s consent or lawful possessor of that property by means other than fear or force. The punishment for this crime is up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. However, grand theft can also be charged as a high-level misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime. In that case, penalties would be harsher.
Common Federal Theft Crimes
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 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.
How Are Theft Offenses Committed?
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 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.
What are the Possible Theft Offenses?
Theft offenses are not a new problem. It has been around for centuries. The first recorded theft offense was in Egypt, where a person stole from the Pharaoh and was punished by having their hand cut off. Common theft offenses requiring a criminal attorney include the following:
- Aggravated theft
- Grand theft auto
- A person knowingly receiving stolen property
- Retail theft or shoplifting charge
In the United States, varying theft offenses can be punished with different punishments. These punishments may include incarceration, fines, and restitution to the victim. Hiring an experienced theft attorney from Spangler Law can help you get theft charges dismissed or reduced.
Criminal Defense Attorney for Theft Crimes
Criminal defense attorneys handle a number of different practices but are required to be knowledgeable in several legal areas in addition to their primary area of experience. Theft crimes consist of shoplifting, larceny, robbery, theft by fraud, and burglary. The penalties for these crimes vary depending on the severity and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Attorneys who handle theft cases can also help their clients understand the possible defenses to a theft charge. These defenses can include lack of intent to steal the item in question, honestly believing you had permission to take the item, and duress.
How Can a Dallas TX Theft Lawyer Help?
In some cases, an experienced criminal defense attorney will have to defend a client who has been accused of one or more theft-related crimes. Spangler Law takes the time to develop a strong attorney-client relationship and help its clients understand the process. They want their clients to be active participants in their defense. Contact the law firm to schedule a free consultation.
