Brazoria County Theft Charges Attorney
Need legal representation?
Contact Brazoria Criminal Attorney Tad Nelson at 281-280-0100.
Theft is defined as any act wherein one individual knowingly and intentionally takes money or valuables from another individual against the victim’s will.
Theft is a broad term and can be used to describe a wide variety of criminal acts. The circumstances surrounding a particular case are often what defines it as shoplifting, theft, a robbery, an act of fraud, or another criminal charge related to theft.
Theft may also be referred to as larceny.
Texas’ Theft Laws
Theft is discussed in detail in Chapter 7, Title 31 of the state penal code.
The Texas criminal code discusses the different categories of theft and how theft offenses are graded.
Whether a theft is a misdemeanor or a felony, and its subcategory in either, is largely determined by the monetary value of the item or sum stolen from the victim. Other factors that can influence a crime’s categorization are whether the victim was a government worker and where the theft took place.
Theft & Criminal Definitions
Listed below are the most common cases in which theft charges are sought by law enforcement.
- Possession of Stolen Property – When you accept goods from a person that is known to not be the rightful owner, you are committing a crime.
- Hot Checks – If you pay for goods or services using a check from a closed account you have committed a criminal offense. If the account the check is written from is open, but the funds do not clear or isn’t paid, a crime has occurred.
- General Theft – Taking a item that doesn’t belong to you, without permission, is theft. This could be stealing a purse, stealing copper and metal from industrial sites, or even theft of minimal value from your employer.
- Shoplifting – Taking an item from a store, with an intention of not paying for it, constitutes shoplifting. Changing price tags is also considered shoplifting.
Penalties for Theft Offenses
Individuals found guilty of theft in Texas face penalties ranging from a fine of $500, and up to 99 years in prison. Resident aliens found guilty of theft may also face deportation.
Penalties for Theft
| Amount | Classification | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50 (Less than $20 if by check.) | Class C Misdemeanor | Fine of Up To $500 |
| $50 – $500$20 – $500 if by check | Class B Misdemeanor | Up To 180 days County Jail and/or fine of up to $2,000 |
| $500 – $1,500 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up To 1 year County Jail and/or fine of up to $4,000 |
| $1,500 – $20,000 | State Jail Felony | 180 Days – 2 Years State Jail and/or fine of up to $10,000 |
| $20,000 – $100,000 | 3rd Degree Felony | 2-10 Years TDCJ and/or fine of up to $10,000 |
| $100,000 – $200,000 | 2nd Degree Felony | 2-20 Years TDCJ and/or fine of up to $10,000 |
| $200,000 or more | 1st Degree Felony | 5-99 Years TDCJ and/or fine of up to $10,000 |
Criminal Defense Attorney in Brazoria County, Texas
Are you facing charges for theft? Contact criminal defense attorney Tad Nelson in Brazoria County, Texas to discuss your rights and legal options as you work through defending yourself from the state’s aggression.
Need legal representation?
Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates immediately at 281-280-0100.