McKinney Property Crimes Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Theft, Burglary, Robbery, and More in McKinney, TX

Property crimes make up a large share of the criminal cases prosecuted in Texas. These charges can range from relatively minor offenses to serious felonies that could result in decades of potential prison time. While property crimes may include a wide variety of conduct, these offenses generally share a common element: an accusation that a person unlawfully took, damaged, or destroyed property belonging to someone else.

People in McKinney who are facing accusations of property crimes will need to understand the specific charges that may apply in a case and the options for defense. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can provide guidance on how to address these charges correctly. We can advise clients on the specific accusations they are facing, the evidence that may play a role in their cases, and the best options for defense. Our goal is to help our clients resolve cases while avoiding convictions whenever possible and minimizing the ways their lives may be affected.

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Types of Property Crimes

• Theft: These offenses generally involve taking money or property belonging to another person without that person's consent and with the intent to permanently prevent the person from maintaining ownership of their property. Theft charges may involve accusations that property was stolen, that a person did not pay for services, or that a person received property they knew was stolen. The penalties for theft will typically depend on the value of property that was allegedly stolen, and offenses can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies.
• Shoplifting: In some cases, charges of theft may involve accusations of taking merchandise from a retail store without paying the full price. These offenses will typically be handled in the same manner as other types of theft charges, and the penalties will depend on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen.
• Burglary: When a person is accused of entering a building without consent and with the intent to commit a crime, they could be charged with burglary. This offense is commonly known as breaking and entering, and it may involve allegations that a person intended to commit theft, assault someone in a building, or commit another type of felony offense. Burglary is a serious felony offense, and a person could face this type of charge even if they did not steal anything or carry out a crime.
• Robbery: When theft allegedly involves the use of force, a person could be charged with robbery. These charges may involve accusations that a person injured someone while committing theft or took actions that caused the alleged victim to suffer serious harm. Robbery is considered to be a violent crime, and it can lead to serious penalties, especially in situations where a person is accused of using a firearm or causing someone to suffer serious injuries.
• Arson: A person who is accused of intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion may face charges of arson. The severity of these charges may depend on whether someone was injured in a fire, whether a home or other types of property were damaged, and whether a person acted intentionally or recklessly.
• Vandalism and Criminal Mischief: Accusations that a person intentionally damaged or destroyed someone else's property can lead to criminal charges. The penalties a person may face in these situations will typically depend on the costs of the damage that they allegedly caused.

Factors That May Affect Property Crime Charges

In many cases, the specific charges that people who have been accused of property crime will face will depend on the value of the property involved. The classification of theft, shoplifting, and criminal mischief charges may be based on whether the property involved in a case exceeded a certain threshold. Charges may range from minor misdemeanors for property valued under $100 to first-degree felonies for property valued at $300,000 or more. Because the thresholds defined in Texas law will determine the severity of charges, disputes over how the value of property was calculated can play an important role in these cases.

Other factors may also determine how a property crime will be charged. The type of property involved may play a role in a case, and offenses that allegedly took place in people's homes, involved the theft of firearms, or affected an elderly or disabled person may involve enhanced penalties. Whether physical harm occurred and whether a person has prior convictions for property crimes can affect how a case is charged and what penalties may apply.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Property Crime Cases

A person who is convicted of a property crime may face consequences that will extend well beyond the conclusion of a criminal case. A conviction will lead to a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities. The charges a person may face will depend on specific details involved in their case, such as the value of property, whether a person intended to commit an offense, or how evidence was gathered during an investigation. An attorney who understands how to examine these details and build a strong defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

Legal representation is particularly important because prosecutors do not always get every detail right when filing criminal charges. A theft charge may be based on an incorrect determination of the value of property that was allegedly stolen. A burglary charge may be filed in a situation where the person genuinely believed they had permission to be present on a property. Without a lawyer reviewing these details closely, a person who has been accused of a property crime may not be able to address the charges correctly and defend against a conviction.

Our attorneys work with clients to understand the specific accusations they are facing. We will review the evidence involved in a case and identify the defense strategies that are most likely to be effective. We may take steps to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges and resolve a case while minimizing the potential penalties, or we may prepare to defend clients in criminal trials. Our goal is to protect the rights of our clients and help them resolve their cases successfully.

Contact Our McKinney, Texas Property Crime Defense Lawyers

At Texas Defense Firm, we can provide strong legal representation to help clients defend against charges related to property crimes and avoid criminal convictions. Contact our McKinney property crimes attorneys at 972-369-0577 to schedule a free consultation.