Conroe Theft Lawyer

Finding The Right Attorney Near You

There are numerous situations where a person may be charged with theft in Texas. These cases will usually involve claims that a person has stolen something that belonged to someone else or otherwise gained control of someone's property without authorization. Theft charges could encompass everything from small-scale shoplifting offenses to large-scale fraud or embezzlement schemes. Even though most property crimes do not involve violence, they are still taken very seriously by law enforcement, and those who face these charges may need to take steps to avoid penalties such as large fines and sentences in prison.

The experienced, dedicated criminal defense attorneys at Pullan & Young can provide comprehensive legal counsel for those who are facing charges related to theft and property crimes. With our experience as former prosecutors, we know how these cases are handled in criminal courts, and we can determine the best strategies to use in each individual situation. In addition to defending against charges of theft, retail theft, or fraud, we can assist with cases involving accusations of burglary or robbery. We also provide representation in juvenile crime cases involving theft and other property crimes. We take every step necessary to ensure that our clients' rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Misdemeanor and Felony Theft Charges in Texas

A person may be charged with theft if they are accused of unlawfully appropriating someone else's property without the owner's consent. That is, if a person exercises control over property and transfers ownership to themselves or someone else, or if they gain control of property that they knew was stolen by someone else, they may face criminal charges. Theft may involve physical property or money that was obtained through fraud or transferred out of someone else's account without their permission. It may involve services that a person received and did not pay for or property that was rented or borrowed and was not returned when required.

The specific charges for theft will usually be based on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen, although the nature of the property may also play a role in determining the severity of the charges. Theft charges may include:

• Theft of property with a value of less than $100: This is a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense, and a person who is convicted may be required to pay a fine of $500. A second offense after a previous conviction of theft charges at any level is a Class B misdemeanor, and a person may be sentenced to up to six months in jail and fined up to $2,000.
• Theft of property with a value between $100 and $750: This is a Class B misdemeanor.
• Theft of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or other state ID documents: This is a Class B misdemeanor.
• Theft of property with a value between $750 and $2,500: This is a Class A misdemeanor, which may lead to a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum $4,000 fine. Theft of less than $2,500 after two previous convictions of theft charges at any level is a state jail felony, and a sentence may range from 180 days to two years, with a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Theft of property with a value between $2,500 and $30,000: This is a state jail felony.
• Theft of property from a grave or corpse: This is a state jail felony.
• Theft of a firearm: This is a state jail felony.
• Theft of less than $20,000 worth of copper, brass, bronze, or aluminum: This is a state jail felony.
• Theft of property with a value between $30,000 and $150,000: This is a third degree felony, and a conviction may result in a sentence between two and 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Theft of controlled substances with a value of less than $150,000 from a pharmacy, a medical facility, or a drug wholesaler or distributor: This is a third degree felony.
• Theft of property with a value between $150,000 and $300,000: This is a second degree felony, which could potentially lead to a sentence of two to 20 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Theft of an ATM or its contents with a value of less than $30,000: This is a second degree felony.
• Theft of property with a value of more than $300,000: This is a first degree felony, and a person may be sentenced to five to 99 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

In certain cases, a theft charge may be elevated to the next higher category of offense. These include cases where money or property was allegedly stolen from an elderly person or a non-profit organization or where retail theft allegedly involved the activation of a fire alarm or the use of devices meant to deactivate theft detection systems. For example, retail theft of items worth $500 in which a person allegedly removed or disabled an electronic theft detection tag would be elevated from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

Contact Our Conroe, Texas Theft Defense Lawyers

No matter what type of theft charge you may be facing in Conroe, Texas, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. At Pullan & Young, our criminal defense attorneys can evaluate the specific facts and circumstances of your case and provide guidance on how best to proceed with your defense. To set up a free consultation, contact us at 936-647-1540.