Houston Theft Lawyer
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Houston Theft Attorney B. Keith Jackson is Here to Defend Your Freedom
If you have been accused of theft in Harris County, securing an experienced Houston theft lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights. A theft conviction can have severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record affecting future employment and housing opportunities.
Whether you are facing charges for stolen property or dealing with the impact of prior theft convictions, B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC is prepared to fight for you. Attorney Jackson has a strong record of defending clients against theft charges and will work tirelessly to build a solid defense on your behalf.
Please call (281)-545-5020 today to schedule a free consultation and talk about your legal options.
What is Considered Theft in Texas?
Under the Texas Penal Code, a theft offense occurs when someone unlawfully takes another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This includes property stolen through deception, coercion, or taken without consent.
Common Texas theft crimes include shoplifting cases, credit card fraud, auto theft, and more. No matter the severity of the criminal charges, having a skilled theft criminal defense lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your case.
If you are facing allegations of theft, it is essential to seek legal representation from a Houston theft lawyer immediately.
Theft Charges in Texas We Can Defend Against
Under Chapter 31 Texas Penal Code, theft charges vary based on the property involved and its value. Taking another person’s property without consent can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Below are some of the different theft charges that Houston theft attorney B. Keith Jackson can defend against.
General Theft
In Texas, theft is described as appropriating property either:
- Without the owner’s consent,
- With the knowledge that the property was stolen, or
- By taking the property from law enforcement with the knowledge that it was stolen.
Penalties can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the value of the property and the circumstances surrounding the theft. If you have been accused of theft in Houston, having a skilled theft defense lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your case.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting involves taking property from a retail store without paying. Depending on the value of the stolen items, shoplifting can result in misdemeanor or felony penalties. Additionally, removing or tampering with the security tag in the commission of the theft can result in increased consequences. A Houston shoplifting attorney can determine the consequences you may be facing, based on the circumstances of your case.
Fraud
Fraud occurs when someone obtains property or money through false pretext, which can take many forms, including credit card fraud, check fraud, and identity theft. These offenses carry serious legal consequences and require a strong defense strategy, especially when the victim of the fraud was an elderly individual or non-profit organization.
Burglary
In Texas, burglary occurs when someone unlawfully enters a building intending to commit theft or another crime. Due to the severity of the crime, burglary charges can lead to severe penalties, including prison time and steep fines. A burglary defense attorney in Houston can help you understand your rights in the face of these charges.
Robbery
Robbery is a serious offense that involves theft combined with bodily injury or the threat of harm to another person. Depending on the circumstances, robbery can be charged as either a second-degree felony or a first-degree felony. If you have been accused of robbery, contact a Houston robbery lawyer like B. Keith Jackson to fight for your rights.
Auto Theft
If someone takes another person’s car with the intent to deprive them of their property, they can be charged with motor vehicle theft in Texas. “Joyriding” or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, occurs when someone borrows another person’s vehicle with intent to return it. Both of these crimes can result in serious criminal punishments, which is why it’s important to have a Houston car theft attorney on your side throughout the process.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is known as “fraudulent possession of identifying information” under Texas law, and is often tied with fraud and exploitation charges. The unlawful possession, transferring, or use of this identifying information with intent to defraud or harm another person can be charged as a felony crime.
Due to the long-lasting consequences of a felony, it’s important to seek legal representation from an identity theft lawyer in Houston regarding your case.
Check Fraud
Issuing a check without sufficient funds could result in theft charges in Texas, which can damage your personal and professional reputation, as well as result in criminal penalties. If you have been accused of check fraud in Texas, call a Houston fraud defense lawyer like B. Keith Jackson.
Possession of Stolen Property
Knowingly possessing or concealing stolen property can still result in criminal charges, even if you didn’t steal the property yourself. If you are accused of having someone else’s property unlawfully, a Houston criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Penalties for Theft Crimes in Texas
The penalties for theft crimes in Texas largely depend on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense. In general, the penalties for theft crimes are:
- Class C misdemeanor: theft under $100
- Class B misdemeanor: theft between $100 and $750
- Class A misdemeanor: theft between $750 and $2,500
- State jail felony: theft between $2,500 and $30,000
- Third-degree felony: theft between $30,000 and $150,000
- Second-degree felony: theft between $150,000 and $300,000
- First-degree felony: theft of $300,000 or more.
However, you can still face increased penalties, depending on the type of property stolen, the circumstances of the theft, and more. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can determine the punishments you may be facing, as well as defend you and your rights.
Petty Theft Charges in Texas
While Texas does not have a “petty theft” statute, petty theft is generally described as theft that is worth less than $100. This is a class C misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $500, depending on the circumstances.
Misdemeanor Theft Charges in Texas
In Texas, you could be charged with misdemeanor theft if you steal property worth up to $2,500. The penalties for misdemeanor theft can include fines or even county jail time, depending on the value of the theft.
- Class C misdemeanor: up to $500 in fines
- Class B misdemeanor: up to $2,000 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, or both
- Class A misdemeanor: up to $4,000 in fines, up to a year in jail, or both
Felony Theft Charges in Texas
Felony theft charges in Texas vary based on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime. These penalties include:
- State jail felony: up to $10,000 in fines, between 180 days and two years in a state jail facility, or both
- Third-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines, between 2 and 10 years in prison, or both
- Second-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines, between 2 and 20 years in prison, or both
- First-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines, between 5 and 99 years in prison, or both
What Amount of Theft is a Felony in Texas?
In Texas, theft becomes a felony when the stolen property is valued at $2,500 or more. Due to the severity of felony theft, a crime at this level can result in up to $10,000 in fines and anywhere between 180 days in a state jail to 99 years in a state prison.
Having a felony on your criminal record can have lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. That’s why it’s so important to have strong legal representation from a Houston criminal defense attorney with experience handling theft charges.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston Help With Your Theft Crime Case?
B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC, provides aggressive legal representation for individuals facing a theft case in Texas. Whether you are charged with a Texas theft offense as a misdemeanor, state jail felony, or first-degree felony, he will examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges.
His experience in the Houston criminal justice system, combined with his knowledge of Texas criminal law, ensures that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Defenses to Theft Charges in Texas
There are a broad range of defenses that can be used in theft cases, depending on the circumstances. Challenging probable cause, proving mistaken identity, or demonstrating lack of intent can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome. Since the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a strong defense can significantly impact the case result.
Facing a Theft Conviction? Let Houston Defense Attorney B. Keith Jackson Help
A theft conviction can have lasting consequences on your life, but you don’t have to face these charges alone. Attorney B. Keith Jackson will fight for your rights, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
If you have been accused of a theft crime, take action now to protect your future. Contact us online or call us at (281)-545-5020 today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Houston theft attorney.
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