Fort Bend Theft Lawyer

Fort Bend Theft Attorney

Being faced with theft charges can be overwhelming, and these allegations can be difficult to fight, especially if there is evidence that can be used against you. Theft charges can range in severity from misdemeanors with almost no penalties to felonies that come with great, life-changing consequences. It can be helpful to know what is going on before you go to court, which is just one way a Fort Bend theft lawyer can assist you with your case.

Classifications of Theft Charges in Texas

Many factors go into determining how a theft charge is classified in Texas, but one of the first pieces of information that is considered is how much was stolen. Theft charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor, which is the lowest form of misdemeanor, to a first-degree felony, which is the most serious form of felony.

In Texas, if the amount stolen is less than $2,500, a guilty person might be charged with a misdemeanor and walk away with minimal penalties. However, if the amount stolen was more than this, there is a good chance a guilty person may face a felony charge and suffer more serious consequences.

Types of Theft

Theft is a relatively broad term that can be used to describe a number of offenses. For this reason, specific terms are used to further define certain types of theft. Some of these include:

• Petty theft: Petty theft refers to instances in which something of smaller value was stolen. It is usually classified as a misdemeanor and carries minimal consequences.
• Shoplifting: Shoplifting refers to an instance in which someone takes goods from a store without paying for them. Depending on what was stolen and where it was stolen from, shoplifting may be tried as either a misdemeanor or as a felony.
• Theft of services: Theft of services occurs when a person does not pay someone for services that they performed.
• Grand theft: Grand theft applies to situations in which the stolen goods were of greater value. It can also refer to cases in which the item was stolen in a way that threatened or caused harm to the other individual.

Fighting Theft Charges in Fort Bend, Texas

There are a number of ways to fight theft charges, depending on what your particular charges are and what type of evidence there is against you. One of the first steps you should take is to hire an experienced Fort Bend Theft Lawyer who has handled similar cases. Some of the ways they can fight your case include:

• Proving a lack of evidence: For you to be found guilty, there must be a reasonable amount of solid evidence that proves you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If this type of evidence is not present, your lawyer can make that apparent to the court.
• Proving a violation of your rights: If you were brought in for questioning or arrested, it is important to know that you were treated justly and fairly according to the law. If your rights were in any way infringed upon, this could be used to your advantage in court.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Get Theft Charges Dropped in Texas?

A: There are a few ways in which you might get theft charges dropped in Texas. One method is to prove that there is a sufficient lack of evidence against you. It must be proven that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so there must be indisputable evidence proving that you were the person who committed the crime. There are additional ways to get charges dropped, and your criminal defense attorney can explore these avenues to see if they may apply to your case.

Q: What Amount of Theft in Texas Is a Felony?

A: There are other factors that go into determining whether theft is a felony or a misdemeanor in Texas, but the critical one is the value of the stolen items. If the amount stolen is valued at $2,500 or more, the case can be charged as a felony. There are instances in which a person who has stolen less than this amount may still be convicted of a felony, particularly if this is a repeated offense for them. Theft may be charged in the full range of Texas felony classifications, from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies.

Q: What Is the Penalty for Theft of Services in Texas?

A: Theft of services penalties will align accordingly with other theft laws, meaning that there are many factors that determine the penalties received. The amount of what was stolen as well as the record of the person who has been accused of theft will be considered. Theft of service penalties can be a little more difficult to define because tangible money and/or goods were not stolen. However, receipts and statements from employees are often used as evidence.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Shoplifting and Petty Theft?

A: Petty theft is a term that is used to refer to less serious theft crimes. Petty theft is usually treated as a misdemeanor because there is a smaller amount of goods stolen. Shoplifting is a term that refers to any scenario where someone takes goods from a store without paying for them. The value of goods that a shoplifter may take can vary from small to great, so shoplifting can be tried as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Greco Neyland, PC: Your Fort Bend Theft Lawyers

If you are facing theft charges in Fort Bend, Texas, whether as a misdemeanor or a felony, it is important to seek legal counsel. While a misdemeanor charge may not sound that serious, it can have many negative implications in your life. Don’t try to handle your case on your own and hope it all works out. Instead, reach out to an experienced defense attorney for guidance and advocacy.

Many aspects of the legal system can be confusing, which is why you need to have a Fort Bend Theft Attorney by your side who understands the process and can determine what to do for your situation. At Greco Neyland, PC, we have the experience necessary to represent you through all the legal processes and answer your questions about your case. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.