Cedar Park Theft Crime Attorneys

How Theft Crimes Are Charged in Texas

Theft crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies in Texas. The key to how a crime is charged lies in the value of the property that was allegedly stolen.

Felony theft crimes in Texas: 

• First-Degree Felony Theft: This is the most serious type of theft charge in Texas. A crime is charged as first-degree felony theft if the value of the stolen property or services is $300,000 or more. 
• Second-Degree Felony Theft: Theft will be charged as a second-degree felony if the value of the stolen property or services is at least $150,000 but less than $300,000
• Third-Degree Felony Theft: This involves crimes in which the value of the stolen property or services is at least $30,000 but less than $150,000; or the stolen property consists of livestock valued at less than $150,000; or the stolen property is a controlled substance that was taken from a commercial property where such substances are typically stored, and the substance is valued at less than $150,000.
• State Jail Felony Theft: Several types of theft crimes may be charged as state jail felonies. This includes crimes in which the value of the stolen property or services is at least $2,500 but less than $30,000; the value of the stolen property or services is less than $2,500, but the defendant has at least two prior theft convictions; the stolen property is a catalytic converter, firearm, election ballot, or certain type of metal or livestock; or the stolen property was taken from another person, grave, or human corpse. 

Misdemeanor theft crimes in Texas: 

• Class A Misdemeanor Theft: Theft may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor when the value of the stolen property or services is at least $750 but less than $2,500. This is the most serious type of misdemeanor theft in Texas and one step below a felony.
• Class B Misdemeanor Theft: This charge typically occurs when the value of the stolen property or services is at least $100 but less than $750; the value of the stolen property or services is under $100, but the defendant has at least one prior theft conviction; or is the property that was stolen is some type of official identification card, such as a driver’s license.
• Class C Misdemeanor Theft: Theft is classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Texas when the stolen property or services are valued at less than $100. Although this is the least serious type of theft charge in the state and does not typically lead to jail time (with some exceptions), a conviction could result in penalties including $500 in fines and possible restitution to victims. 

Will I Go to Jail? Understanding the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Texas

For any theft charge other than a Class C misdemeanor, where the value of the stolen property or services is less than $100, imprisonment is on the table. In fact, depending on the type of charge and the value of the stolen property, you could be facing significant jail time and extremely high fines. 

The penalties for theft in Texas include: 

• Imprisonment: Certain theft crimes have minimum sentences of 180 days or 2 to 5 years up to 10, 20, or even 99 years in state prison. 
• Fines: The fines associated with a theft crime conviction range from $500 (Class C misdemeanor theft) to $2,000, $4,000, or up to $10,000 (felony theft)
• Civil Penalties: You could be made to pay damages (restitution) to the defendant for certain theft crimes, such as retail theft (shoplifting). 

Additionally, being convicted of a crime will result in a permanent criminal record. Because of the nature of theft crimes, many employers are unwilling to retain or hire people with this kind of background, meaning it could be very difficult for you to keep your job or get a new one in the future. A conviction can seriously impact your reputation, straining personal relationships, affecting your career, and putting your future in jeopardy. 

The best thing you can do right now is reach out to a knowledgeable Cedar Park theft defense attorney, like ours. An attorney from our firm can review your case and immediately begin developing strategies to protect you.