Are you a defendant facing theft charges in Prosper, TX? The severity of the charges and the potential penalties you’re facing depend on the specifics of the charge and how much you’re accused of stealing. If there are aggravating factors, the penalties can be even more severe.
When you’re in this situation, it’s important to get experienced legal help; you can’t handle this alone, and working with the wrong lawyer puts your future at risk. If you need help in Prosper, Texas, we’re here for you. Contact Texas Defense Firm at (972) 369-0577 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Prosper theft crimes lawyer.
Why Hire Texas Defense Firm if You’re Arrested for Theft?
Theft crimes in Prosper, TX, can be very serious, depending on the specifics of the charge and the value of what you’re accused of taking. In these cases, working with a lawyer is a critical step. Texas Defense Firm is here to provide the experienced help you need.
Here’s why clients continue to choose our firm:
- We have over 200 years of combined legal experience on your side.
- Our team includes seasoned trial lawyers, board-certified specialists, and former prosecutors, so we know every angle of how a case is built against you.
- We have hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from satisfied clients across Texas.
When you’re facing theft charges in Prosper, we know you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to turn. Let us handle your case and help you take the right steps to defend yourself.
Contact the firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a Prosper criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Theft Charges in Texas
A theft charge in Texas means someone is accused of unlawfully taking property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The severity of a theft charge mostly depends on the value of the stolen property: the higher the value, the more serious the potential punishment.
Theft allegations can arise in many situations, including shoplifting, employee theft, embezzlement, theft by deception, or taking someone else’s property without permission.
What Are the Penalties for Theft in Prosper, Texas?
Texas handles theft charges by looking at the value of what was allegedly stolen. As the value increases, so do the potential punishments:
- Class C misdemeanor: Theft of property valued at less than $100. Punishable by a fine of up to $500.
- Class B misdemeanor: Theft of property worth $100 to $750. May lead to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Class A misdemeanor: Theft involving $750 to $2,500. Up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
- State jail felony: Theft involving $2,500 to $30,000. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: Property worth $30,000 to $150,000. Sentences can be 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Second-degree felony: Property worth $150,000 to $300,000. Sentences can be 2 to 20 years in prison.
- First-degree felony: Theft over $300,000. This carries 5 years to life in prison in the most serious cases.
Some aggravating factors can enhance charges even with a lower value. This usually includes previous convictions or theft from certain places or vulnerable people.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Theft?
If you’re charged with theft in Texas, you still have the right to defend yourself and explain your side of the story. There are legitimate legal defenses your Prosper criminal defense lawyer can investigate, depending on how and why the arrest happened and what really occurred.
Common defenses include:
- No intent: To be convicted of theft, prosecutors must prove you intended to take something that wasn’t yours and deprive the owner of it permanently. If the act was unintentional, such as walking out of a store with an item you forgot was in your hands, your lawyer can use that as a defense.
- Claim of right or honest ownership dispute: Someone accused of theft might have believed, honestly but possibly incorrectly, that the item was theirs or that they could legally possess it. For example, taking something you thought you had the owner’s permission to borrow.
- Mistaken identity: Sometimes, especially when there are a lot of people around or the situation is chaotic, a person might wrongfully identify you as the person who stole an item. If you were wrongly identified and there is weak or unreliable evidence linking you to the alleged incident, an attorney can challenge witness statements or camera footage.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution bears the burden of proof in theft cases. If police or a store don’t have video evidence, receipts, valid eyewitness accounts, or clear links between you and missing property, your attorney can argue that you should be found not guilty. Without proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you took the item and intended to deprive the owner of it, you shouldn’t be convicted.
Building a defense in a theft case means looking at all aspects of the incident and determining what will provide the best chance of defeating the charges.
It’s not easy to deal with a serious criminal case in Prosper, Texas. It can be stressful and overwhelming for both you and your family. Texas Defense Firm is here to handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on moving forward with confidence.
We’ll listen to your side of the story and truly hear what you’re saying; we don’t just assume the prosecutor is telling the truth. If you’re ready to get help, reach out to schedule an initial confidential case evaluation with a Prosper theft crimes attorney.
