In the State of Texas, theft crimes are very unforgiving. In the old days, people were hung for stealing horses. Killed for stealing. While things have changed slightly since then, the repercussions of a theft case can last a lifetime. A Harris County theft lawyer is the resource you need if you have been accused of a theft crime in Texas. A criminal defense lawyer can review your case, ensure that your rights are protected, and give you the legal guidance you need.
What starts out as a minor shoplifting case can turn into a conviction for theft and the rest of your life will be marred by that classification of “untrustworthy.” Theft cases are especially devastating as most people at some point in their life have been a victim to theft. As such, they are very wary of hiring, associating, or hanging out with people who are convicted of theft. The saying, “once a thief, always a thief” is a popular belief still held by many.
A: The charge of theft in Harris County, Texas, can cover a broad range of cases, and the penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offense. The two key elements of theft are the unlawful taking of someone else’s property and the intent to remove it from the owner’s possession permanently.
The first element is relatively easy to understand, but the second element is more complex. Intent is a key component of every theft charge, and it can be hard to prove.
A: There are several ways to attempt to have theft charges dropped in Texas. There could be a lack of evidence, mistaken identity, a return of the stolen property, or a violation of your legal rights. To better your chances, you should avoid doing things that are self-incriminating.
Anything that you say could be used against you, so it is better to remain silent. Do not explain yourself or speak to the police before speaking with an attorney. An experienced attorney can improve the chances of getting your theft charges dropped or reduced.
A: Theft can be considered a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the stolen property is under $100. For values that are $100 or more but under $750, the offense could be considered a Class B misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors apply when the stolen property exceeds $750 but is under $2,500. Anything over $2,500 could be considered a felony offense. Felony theft offenses can come with serious fines and jail time. No matter the value of the property, an attorney can help.
A: The different types of theft can include burglary, fraud, robbery, possession of stolen property, or shoplifting.
A: A theft lawyer can help in a variety of ways. First, they can investigate your case. This includes analyzing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports. After a thorough investigation of the case, a lawyer can help advise you on the next legal steps you should take to build a strong defense. If you have been accused of theft, you need an attorney experienced in theft defense. The quicker you engage the help of an attorney, the better your chances of success are.
The only way to steer clear of this negative connotation is to ensure that you do not get convicted for theft. In order to do that, you must hire a qualified theft defense attorney today. Contact us today to see how we can help you. Whether you have been accused of theft, a drug charge, assault, or any other type of crime, our legal team can assist you with your case.
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