New Braunfels, Texas Theft Attorney Defending Clients from Serious Theft Charges

Being accused of theft can be devastating, especially if you know you didn’t commit the crime as charged. You deserve a chance to clear your name and avoid severe penalties, and getting representation from a trusted lawyer makes this process simple for you. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft crime, you should let an experienced criminal defense attorney handle all the legal details of your case.

If you’re looking for a skilled theft defense lawyer who has successfully handled numerous cases like yours, contact Seymour & Vaughn. Our lawyer is fearless in standing up for your rights and taking your case to trial when necessary, so call our New Braunfels, Texas law firm today.

What Should You Know About Theft Crimes in Texas?

As you await your free consultation with a lawyer, it’s helpful to learn the basics of the crime you’ve been accused of. In Texas, a theft charge means you’re accused of illegally taking someone else’s property without any intention of returning it. This definition can also apply to services, as it’s considered theft of services when you receive them and do not intend to pay.

There are several types of theft crimes in Texas, with the most common ones being:

Shoplifting
General theft
Buying or accepting stolen property
Writing bad checks

But these aren’t the only crimes that relate to theft in Texas. Some of the possible theft charges you could face include:

Embezzlement
Extortion
Bank robbery
Burglary
Grand larceny
Petit larceny
Theft by deception
Forgery
Fraud
Grand theft auto
Intellectual property theft
Identity theft

If you have questions about what charges you’re facing or how to approach your case, contact Seymour & Vaughn for legal guidance. Our criminal defense lawyer is dedicated to protecting your rights regardless of the accusations against you, so call our New Braunfels, Texas office today.

Is Theft a Felony or Misdemeanor in Texas?

When facing theft charges, you’ll want to know the severity of your situation immediately, starting with whether you’re being charged with a felony or misdemeanor. There are a few factors that determine this, including your criminal history, the value of the property you’re accused of stealing, and where you allegedly stole from.

In general, if the property’s value is less than $2,500, the crime is a misdemeanor. If the value is $2,500 or more, you’re facing felony charges. If this is the case for you, note that Texas has five classes of felonies, and they all have their own penalties.

The lowest level of felony is a state jail felony, which you might be charged with if the property you’re accused of stealing is worth more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. You may also be charged with this type of felony if you stole an item from a grave, have a history of theft, or allegedly stole a gun or ballot.

You could be charged with a third-degree felony if the property you’re accused of stealing is worth between $30,000 and $150,000. This could also be the case if you’re charged with stealing a controlled substance from a medical office or pharmacy, or from a car owned or operated by a prescription drug distributor or manufacturer.

A second-degree felony applies if you’re accused of stealing property worth between $150,000 and $300,000. You could also be charged with this crime if you allegedly stole money from an ATM. Finally, a first-degree felony is the most serious theft charge, as it means you’re accused of stealing $300,000 or more worth of property. In all of these cases, you should get advice from an experienced lawyer who can help you avoid severe penalties, so contact our office today.

What Are the Consequences of a Theft Conviction?

The penalties you face for theft charges will depend on the specific charge and your criminal record. If you’re accused of petty theft or a similar misdemeanor, you could end up with fines and probation. Hiring a shoplifting attorney can minimize the penalties or even get the case dismissed, depending on your circumstances.

But if you’re accused of a felony, such as aggravated identity theft, you could spend time in jail if convicted. For example, even the lowest degree of felony could result in 180 days to two years in jail, while a third-degree felony could lead to two to ten years of prison time.

If you’re convicted of second-degree felony theft, you could end up in prison for two to 20 years. A first-degree felony conviction can result in five to 99 years of prison. In most cases, the only way to avoid or reduce legal penalties is by hiring a skilled New Braunfels, Texas theft attorney to show that you’re not guilty of the charges. Call our office to learn what defense angle may be suitable for your case.

How Can a Theft Defense Attorney Defend Your Rights?

Whether you were accused of petit theft, grand larceny, or any other type of theft in Texas, you deserve the chance to clear your name. Simply admitting guilt and agreeing to the penalties is not recommended since you don’t know for sure what evidence the prosecutor has or how they obtained it.

When you contact Seymour & Vaughn, our skilled theft attorney will examine all the details of your case, including the police report and the evidence against you. Our lawyer will look for any ways in which the police may have ignored your rights during the arrest and will then search for evidence that supports you. You can rest assured that our New Braunfels, Texas office has taken on numerous theft cases like yours and will work hard to get the best possible outcome. Call us at 830-282-8751 to schedule a free case evaluation.