McKinney, Texas Theft Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Charges of Theft in McKinney

While people understand that taking money or property that does not belong to them is illegal, there are a variety of situations where people may be arrested and charged with theft. These charges may apply in more situations than most people may realize. The specific charges that may apply, the penalties that people may face, and the options for defense will depend on the facts of a case. Legal representation can be crucial for someone charged with theft to ensure that they will be able to resolve their case successfully.

At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers work with clients who are facing theft charges, and we can also address other types of property crimes. We understand the factors that may affect these cases, including the location where an offense allegedly occurred, the value of property that was allegedly stolen, and the interactions between the people involved. We will provide guidance on the best options for defense in these cases and make sure our clients take the right steps to avoid criminal convictions whenever possible.

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Forms of Theft Addressed Under Texas Law

Theft charges may apply in situations involving a variety of conduct. Depending on what a person is accused of doing, they could face charges related to:

• Theft of Money or Property: Some of the most straightforward theft charges will involve accusations that a person took cash, merchandise, a vehicle, or other property that belonged to another person. Charges may range from shoplifting a small item from a store to taking a vehicle or another type of high-value property without the owner's consent.
• Theft of Services: A person may be accused of obtaining a service without paying for it. A person who allegedly left a restaurant without paying their bill could be charged with theft. Other charges may involve the use of rental property or equipment without paying the owner, refusing to pay for services provided by a salon or other business, or other situations. In these cases, a person may face charges that would be similar to the theft charges that apply when stealing money.
• Fraud-Related Theft: A person who is accused of obtaining money or other property through deception may be charged with fraud. These cases may involve accusations that a person convinced someone to hand over money based on false statements or misrepresentations, such as online schemes or communications over the phone in which a person allegedly pretended to be a person's family member. Allegations of fraud may lead to charges of theft, or a person may be prosecuted for specific types of offenses, such as credit card fraud or identity theft.
• Embezzlement: A person who has been given control over someone else's money or property may be accused of keeping those items for themselves. These cases may involve employees who are accused of stealing money or equipment from their employers, people who refuse to return vehicles or other items after borrowing them, or other similar situations. Embezzlement is generally charged as theft, and the penalties a person may face may depend on the value of what they allegedly kept for themselves.
• Receiving or Possessing Stolen Property: Even if a person was not directly involved in stealing property, they could face criminal charges if they allegedly knew that the items they purchased or received from someone else were stolen. In these cases, prosecutors will need to take steps to prove that a person knew or reasonably should have known that the property they received was stolen.

Misdemeanor Versus Felony Theft Charges

Whether a theft charge may be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony will typically depend on the value of the property or services involved. At the lower end, theft involving property valued at less than $100 may lead to Class C misdemeanor charges. As the value of property increases, so does the severity of the charges. Theft of property valued between $100 and $750 is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor, while theft involving property valued between $750 and $2,500 is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

When the value of the property involved in a case exceeds $2,500, theft charges escalate to the felony level. Property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 may lead to state jail felony charges. As the value increases further, charges can rise to a third-degree felony, a second-degree felony, or even a first-degree felony. A person who is charged with a first-degree felony for theft of more than $300,000 could be sentenced to between five and 99 years in prison.

Certain circumstances can lead to more serious theft charges regardless of the value involved. Accusations of theft directly from another person may lead to charges of robbery, which is usually classified as a felony offense. Theft of a firearm or theft from an elderly or disabled person may lead to more severe penalties. A person who had previously been convicted of theft may also face harsher penalties if they are convicted of another theft offense.

Contact Our McKinney, TX Theft Defense Lawyers

When a person is charged with theft, they may face consequences that could include significant fines, jail or prison time lasting for months or years, the requirement to pay restitution for what was stolen, and a permanent criminal record. Defending against a conviction can be crucial for protecting a person's future. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can provide the representation needed in these cases. We work to help clients resolve charges of theft while avoiding convictions whenever possible. To learn more about how we can help with these cases or with other related charges, contact our McKinney theft attorneys at 972-369-0577 and set up a free consultation.