Dallas Theft Crimes Attorney

The specific acts that fall under the category of theft crimes in Texas are wide-ranging in nature, and can result in a variety of consequences for you if you are found guilty.  Regardless of the specific violation or how harmless your actions seemed at the time, you should know that theft crimes might follow you for the rest of your life.

A theft crime involves the unlawful taking of another’s property without his or her consent, with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property.  According to the federal government’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), about 10 million theft crimes are committed a year, and over one million people are arrested.  Theft crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies and the maximum sentences can include many years behind bars. 

Conviction may carry more than just the punishment of Texas law

Those who commit theft are said to be engaging in a crime of moral turpitude, which means that your dishonesty is viewed as unacceptable by the general community.  You face jail time and the very real possibility that employers and landlords may feel less inclined to sign contracts with you based on a decision you once made that continues to reflect poorly on your character.

The most common theft crimes that occur in Texas are—

• Shoplifting
• Bad checks
• General theft
• Buying or selling stolen property

Texas courts generally determine your penalty based on the value of the stolen property.  With a Class C misdemeanor, the property is valued at less than $50 and you face a fine of no more than $500.  These penalties continue through to a first-degree felony, where the stolen property holds at least $200,000 in value, and you may face anywhere from five to 99 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Having a experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference

The state has the burden to prove your guilt.  The prosecution is required to show that you had criminal intent in taking the property and that you knew it belonged to someone else.  Our experienced Dallas criminal attorneys are able to challenge the reliability of witnesses and the legality of police searches made to recover the property.  Give yourself every chance to be exonerated from the charge of theft by hiring the best legal defense you can find.

Contact an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney today

Call on us at 972-789-1664 or contact Modjarrad & Abusaad Law Firm online.