Arlington Theft Crime Lawyer

Defending Your Reputation, Freedom & Future

Theft crimes are serious offenses that can result in life-changing penalties. If you have been charged with a theft crime, you must seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. At the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress, our Arlington theft crime attorneys know what it takes to build an effective defense and have a long track record of success.

Whether you have been accused of shoplifting or grand larceny, we can help. Our team understands the severity of the situation and will work diligently to protect your rights and future. We know that good people make mistakes. When they do, they should be given a second chance. Our team can help you fight to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Don’t face theft charges alone. Call us today at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our theft crime lawyer in Arlington.

What Is Theft?

Under Texas law, theft occurs when a person unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. In other words, theft is the act of taking someone else’s property without their permission and with the intent to keep it for oneself.

A person can be charged with theft in Arlington if they are accused of:

• Petty Theft: Also known as petty larceny, this involves the theft of property or services valued below a certain threshold, typically a few hundred dollars.
• Grand Theft: Also referred to as grand larceny, this involves stealing property or services that exceed a certain value, usually set by state law. In Texas, the threshold for grand theft varies depending on the type of property or services stolen.
• Shoplifting: This involves stealing goods from a retail store. Shoplifting can range from concealing items and leaving without paying to altering price tags or using deceptive methods to pay less than the item's value.
• Burglary: While not always classified as theft, burglary involves unlawfully entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a theft or another felony once inside.
• Robbery: Unlike theft, robbery involves the use of force, threats, or intimidation to take property from someone else's immediate possession. This can include mugging, armed robbery, or carjacking.
• Embezzlement: This occurs when someone entrusted with managing or overseeing another person's or organization's funds or property fraudulently appropriates those funds or property for their own use.
• Identity Theft: This involves using someone else's personal information, such as their Social Security number, credit card number, or other identifying information, without their consent for financial gain.
• Auto Theft: This involves stealing a motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles.
• Theft by Check: This occurs when a person writes a check with insufficient funds, knowing that it will not be honored by the bank.
• Theft of Services: This involves obtaining services, such as utilities, transportation, or accommodations, without paying for them or by using fraudulent means to avoid payment.

Theft charges can range from minor to serious, depending on the value of the property involved and the specific circumstances of the case. Regardless of the specifics, a conviction can result in severe criminal penalties and long-term consequences.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Texas?

In Texas, the penalties for petty theft and grand theft vary depending on the value of the stolen property or services. The Texas Penal Code defines theft as follows:

• Petty Theft: In Texas, petty theft is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the stolen property or services is less than $100. A Class C misdemeanor is the least serious type of criminal offense in Texas and is punishable by a fine of up to $500, but there is no potential for jail time for Class C misdemeanors under Texas law.
• Grand Theft: Grand theft in Texas is generally charged as a felony offense and can be categorized into different degrees based on the value of the stolen property or services:
  • State Jail Felony: Theft is classified as a state jail felony if the value of the stolen property or services is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. A state jail felony in Texas is punishable by confinement in a state jail facility for a minimum of 180 days up to a maximum of two years, along with fines of up to $10,000.
  • Third-Degree Felony: Theft is considered a third-degree felony if the value of the stolen property or services is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000. A third-degree felony is punishable by imprisonment for a term ranging from two to ten years and fines of up to $10,000.
  • Second-Degree Felony: Theft is charged as a second-degree felony if the value of the stolen property or services is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000. A second-degree felony carries a prison sentence of two to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000.
  • First-Degree Felony: Theft is considered a first-degree felony if the value of the stolen property or services is $300,000 or more. A first-degree felony in Texas is punishable by imprisonment for a term ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment, along with fines of up to $10,000.

Why Choose the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress?

At the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress, we are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges. Our Arlington theft crime attorney has successfully handled thousands of cases and is well-versed in the state and federal criminal justice systems. We can help you understand your rights and options and guide you throughout the legal process.

Some common defenses against theft charges include:

• You did not have the intent to take the property
• You had the consent of the owner to take the property
• You were falsely accused
• You were mistakenly identified
• You were the victim of entrapment

Our team knows that every case is unique and will take the time to understand the specifics of your situation. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized legal strategy that addresses your needs and goals. Our attorney will fight tirelessly for you in and out of the courtroom and will work to get your charges reduced or even dropped.

Contact us today at (817) 497-8148 now to schedule a consultation with our theft crime lawyer in Arlington. We offer flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.