Theft & Property Crimes Lawyers in Houston, Texas

If you have been charged with theft and property crimes in Houston, hiring an experienced Houston theft & property attorney may make the difference in being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, which will significantly affect the proposed penalties.

Each of these categories carries its own sets of consequences, which can include jail time.

If you are facing theft and property crimes, never negotiate with the prosecutor’s office alone. Our accomplished Houston theft & property attorneys at the Nava Law Group, P.C. will fully outline your legal options to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

When Can I Be Charged with Theft or Property Crimes in Texas?

Theft and property crime statutes differ throughout the country, but the definition is the same in Texas as the rest of the United States.

• Theft is the action or crime of stealing
• Property crimes are theft-type offenses, in which there was no force — actual or threat —  against the victims

Property crime in Houston is up more than 8% over the past year and includes crimes like:

• Arson
• Auto theft
• Burglary
• Extortion
• Larceny
• Robbery
• Shoplifting and retail theft
• Theft of property inside your vehicle
• Vandalism

What Are the Most Common Property Crimes in Houston?

Cash is the most commonly stolen item in theft and property crime cases throughout Harris County.

Other commonly stolen items are typically those that are concealable, valuable, and easily removable, which can be disposed of easily either by selling or trading the goods.

They can include:

• Clothing
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Tools
• Vehicle parts

When someone is charged with theft and property crimes, it is not the size of the item that dictates whether it is a misdemeanor or felony. The value of the stolen property, and in some unique cases, the type of property, will order the level of theft offense you are charged with.

What Are the Penalties for Theft & Property Crimes in Texas?

Theft charges can range from petty theft, which is a Class C misdemeanor to a felony of first-degree theft, which is the theft of property or services over $200,000.

The penalties for these property crimes include:

Class C Misdemeanor Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is less than $50
• No jail time
• Fine of not more than $500

Class B Misdemeanor Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $50 or more but less than $500
• If the property stolen is a driver’s license or other identification card
• Not more than 180 days of jail time
• Fine of not more than $2,000
• Both a fine and jail time

Class A Misdemeanor Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $500 or more but less than $1,500
• Not more than one year of jail time
• Fine of not more than $4,000
• Both a fine and jail time

State Jail Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000
• Specific property type, which can include firearms or livestock within the same value
• 180 days to two years of state jail time
• Fine of not more than $10,000

Felony of the Third-Degree Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000
• Specific property type, which can include livestock within the same values
• Two to ten years of imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Fine of not more than $10,000

Felony of the Second-Degree Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000
• Two to 20 years of imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Fine of not more than $10,000

Felony of the First-Degree Theft

• The value of the property or services stolen is $200,000 or more
• Five to 99 years of imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Fine of no more than $10,000

If you have prior theft convictions, any additional theft and property crime charges will increase automatically because of your criminal history. This makes it all that more important to ensure you have an experienced Houston theft & property attorney by your side before speaking with the prosecutor’s office, so your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Contact Our Theft & Property Crimes Lawyers in Houston Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with theft and property crimes in Texas, contact our skilled Houston criminal defense lawyers at the Nava Law Group, P.C. today by calling (713) 661-9900 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Our Houston theft & property attorneys will review your charges, criminal history, and the evidence the prosecutor is using to build their case, so we can provide the best legal outcome available for your unique circumstances. Call us now to learn more about our strategic defense process, so you can start focusing on your future.