Houston Theft Lawyer
Contact a Houston theft lawyer from Universal Law Group if you face allegations of theft, burglary, or other criminal charges. Our legal team is ready to fight for the best possible outcome of your case.
A theft conviction can carry severe penalties. That's why you need an experienced legal team on your side. Schedule a free case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney today.
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With a Houston theft attorney from Universal Law Group, you have an advocate to protect your rights and future. Theft is a serious offense with dire repercussions.
When you face theft allegations, there’s potential for jail time, fines, and a permanent record. The severe impact of a conviction means that representation is crucial. So call our Houston criminal lawyer for a free case evaluation today.
Fill out the form or call us at 832-767-0339.
Fight Theft Charges with a Houston Theft Lawyer
Under the Texas penal code, theft involves taking another person’s property without consent. It is a broad umbrella term that covers a vast range of charges. The penalties and severity vary from shoplifting and larceny to embezzlement and extortion.
Due to this, you need a Houston theft attorney who understands how to build a strong defense. With a conviction, the penalty may range from a small fine to life in prison. That means your representation is a crucial decision.
Quite literally, you place your life in the hands of your attorney. Would you want to work with a criminal lawyer Houston trusts?
Criminal defense for theft charges is a lengthy, arduous process. At Universal Law Group, our advocates work to guide you through it as smoothly as possible. We work with you every step of the way to pursue the best possible outcome in your case, whether we get your case dismissed or charges reduced.
- Talking to the authorities after an arrest
- Negotiation charges with the prosecution
- Helping you understand your options
- Guiding you through decisions on plea bargains and trials
Our Houston theft attorney advises you on your best options at every step. With our legal team behind you, you have access to true advocates’ expertise, skills, and dedication.
The legal team at Universal Law Group understands the criminal justice system. With experience as former prosecutors, we know how the opposing counsel thinks. Often, that means the difference between a verdict of guilty and not guilty.
The Penalties for Theft in Houston
In Texas, State law covers the rules regarding theft for Houston and Harris County. However, many types of theft fall into a broad spectrum of severity. Typically, the exact charges that apply to you and the gravity of the situation depend on the market value of the stolen property.
Moreover, other factors lead to elevated charges.
- Identity of the rightful owner of the property
- The type of property stolen (i.e., theft of firearms)
- Methodology or means of the theft
When a Houston court considers all these factors, they determine the sentence. For example, if the court charges you with theft, the penalties range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felony.
Breakdown of Theft Penalties
- Class C Misdemeanor includes theft of property valued at $50 or lower. This misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum fine of $500.
- A Class B Misdemeanor includes stealing something valued from $50-500. The punishment is up to 180 days in jail with a fine of $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor theft includes property valued from $500-1,500. The punishment here is up to 1 year in jail with fines up to $4,000.
- A state jail felony results from theft valued from $1,500-20,000. This charge is punishable with up to 2 years in county jail with fines up to $10,000.
- Felony theft in the third degree involves property valued from $20,000-100,000. The punishment is ten years in prison with a fine of $10,000.
- Felony theft in the second degree is the theft of property valued from $100,000-200,000. It is punishable with 20 years in prison and fines of $10,000.
- Felony theft in the first degree includes property valued over $200,000. The punishment is 99 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
As you can see, the consequences of a conviction escalate quickly. That’s why you must partner with a Houston theft attorney from our firm. We offer you the experience and expertise necessary to navigate the system.
Types of Theft Crimes in Texas
In the State of Texas, possessing or receiving stolen property you know was stolen is also a theft offense. When you partner with our Houston theft attorney, our legal team ensures you understand your situation clearly. If you need representation, contact our team today.
Burglary
Under Texas law, burglary involves entering a building without the intention of the owner with the intent to commit assault, theft, or a felony.
Fraud
Fraud is when you obtain money, services, or property through deception or manipulation. This charge ranges from identity theft to check forgery and credit card fraud.
General Theft
General theft involves taking someone else’s property without their permission. It is the most basic form of theft.
Possession of Stolen Property
When you knowingly accept or purchase stolen property, it qualifies as a theft crime. Our Houston theft attorney can help you defend against these allegations.
Robbery
Robbery involves knowingly or intentionally causing “bodily injury” or even fear of bodily injury in the course of committing theft. Bodily injury and the fear of it cover a vast spectrum. When you face these charges, call on our experienced Houston theft attorney.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is an all-too-familiar and all-too-common crime. It involves deliberately taking products from a business without paying their total value.
Theft by Check
Theft by check is when you use a check to pay for an item knowing that the account does not have sufficient funds.
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Houston Theft Lawyer FAQ
What are the most common theft crimes?
Some of the most common forms of theft occur in the workplace. However, two instances stand out above the rest.
Employee Theft
As a criminal defense firm in Houston, we often see cases of employee theft. In this situation, our client faces charges of stealing from their employer in some way. Unfortunately, Harris County has a specific policy regarding this offense.
Often, a conviction results in either jail time (even for a first-time offender) or an extended probation period. Ultimately, these plea bargains mean you agree to a conviction, which brands you with the stigma of the label “thief.”
With a Houston theft lawyer on your side, you have an advocate to fight against this policy. At our firm, we fight to defend you and preserve your rights.
Shoplifting
Everyone thinks of shoplifting in a few different ways. For some, it’s a high school kid stealing something minor from a store. Alternatively, people might associate it with a “crime wave” in certain areas as desperate people attempt to steal home goods.
Additionally, shoplifting is a common term for “theft” and “petty theft.” Typically, someone steals or attempts to steal items or cash from a store. Usually, the State is lenient on these in comparison to employee theft.
However, it’s always important to fight the charges against you. In addition to a criminal record, these charges have significant consequences, impacting your future.
Contact a Houston theft lawyer at Universal Law Group today to get assistance with your case.
How do prior convictions impact theft cases?
When you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your record, it makes life difficult in several different ways. Often, it makes it more challenging to secure a loan, find a place to live, or get hired at a new job. Additionally, prior convictions have an impact on the consequences of your case.
You may feel this impact when you face a conviction for an array of charges.
- DWI or DUI
- Domestic violence
- Theft
Typically, this impacts the severity of your sentence, leading to more severe charges and steeper fines.
Unfortunately, a criminal record also gives others leverage in civil cases. Often, the other side uses this record to cast doubts about your character and whether you are trustworthy or reliable.
If you face charges of any kind, you must seek legal representation. With a Houston theft lawyer on your side, you have someone to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
What are aggravating factors in a theft case?
In a theft case, certain factors result in enhanced consequences. For example, if your case involves specific aggravating factors, it elevates the penalties to the next higher category of the offense.
For example, if you set off an alarm in a Class C misdemeanor theft, it elevates to a Class B misdemeanor.
Here are a handful of factors that aggravate your case. If you have any questions about your legal situation, it is vital that you seek the assistance of a Houston theft lawyer.
- Deactivating or blocking a fire exit or theft detector
- Activating a fire alarm exit amid the offense
- Using a shield or instrument to prevent or attempt to prevent detection by a theft detector
- When the alleged offender is a Medicare provider in a contract with the federal government at the time of the offense and property is stolen through the contractual relationship.
- The property owner is an elderly person.
- Property stolen by virtue of status as a public service.
- The owner of the stole property is a nonprofit organization.
- The alleged offender had a contractual relationship with the government and stole property by virtue of that relationship.
When you face aggravated charges of theft, you need an experienced Houston theft lawyer to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Schedule a free case evaluation with our firm today.
Houston Theft Attorney
Protect Your Rights
When you face theft charges, you need the representation of an experienced Houston theft attorney. As shown above, this crime covers various charges with different penalties.
To protect your rights and future, you need an advocate on your side. So, schedule a free case evaluation* with a Houston theft lawyer from Universal Law Group today. Our criminal attorneys take your rights and freedom incredibly seriously.
When you put your future in our hands, you gain an advocate ready to fight for your future.
*Consultation fees may be waived on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the reviewing attorney.