Richardson Property Crimes Lawyers
Attorneys for Theft, Shoplifting, Burglary, or Arson Charges in Richardson, TX
Property crimes may address a wide range of conduct, from walking out of a store with an unpaid item to causing property damage by setting fire to a building. Some of these offenses may be classified as misdemeanors, while others can be serious first-degree felonies that may lead to decades in prison. Even a low-level theft conviction can cause lasting harm to your record and your reputation. Employers and landlords who perform background checks may view theft charges as a sign of dishonesty. Defending against these charges can help you avoid a record that could close doors in your future.
When you work with Texas Defense Firm, you will have a criminal defense team on your side that will take your case seriously. Our attorneys have the experience needed to defend against property crime charges and other types of offenses. We can take steps to question the evidence in a case and present your side of the story as we fight to prevent a criminal conviction.
Theft Charges in Richardson, Texas
A person may be charged with theft if they have allegedly taken someone else's property without the authorization of the owner and with the intent to keep the property or prevent the owner from having it. The penalties for theft will usually depend on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. Property worth less than $100 will often result in Class C misdemeanor charges. For theft of $100 to $750, Class B misdemeanor charges may apply. Higher amounts can move a case into Class A misdemeanor or felony ranges.
Prior convictions can also play a role in theft charges. A person who has two earlier convictions for theft can be charged with a state jail felony for a new theft of less than $2,500.
Situations That May Lead to Theft Accusations
Theft charges do not always involve a stranger taking something directly from someone else. People may be accused of theft after events such as:
- An employee may be blamed for missing cash from a register after their shift.
- A person may borrow a friend's car or tools and be accused of theft if they do not return them on time.
- Former roommates or partners may disagree about who owns furniture, electronics, or a pet.
- A contractor may accept a deposit for a remodeling job, and they may be accused of theft after failing to finish the work.
How Shoplifting Cases Are Handled in Richardson, Texas
Taking merchandise from a store can lead to charges of theft. As with other forms of theft, the penalties for shoplifting will usually be based on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen.
Detention by Store Employees
The employees of a store may detain a person who they reasonably believe has stolen merchandise. Loss prevention staff or security guards may take a person to a back office, ask questions, and request a signed statement before police arrive. Anything said or signed in these situations could be used against a person during a criminal case.
Police and Prosecutors
Once officers arrive, they may arrest a person and charge them with a shoplifting offense. Prosecutors may review store reports, receipts, and video from security cameras as they build cases against defendants. Some people who are facing first-time shoplifting charges may be eligible for pretrial diversion, which may lead to the dismissal of charges. Our attorneys can provide guidance on the options for defense that may be available in cases involving retail theft.
Burglary
A person who is accused of entering a home or building without the owner's consent may face charges of burglary based on their alleged intent to commit theft, assault, or a felony offense. A person may be charged with burglary even if nothing was taken and no other crime occurred. The alleged intent to commit an offense will usually serve as the basis of burglary charges. Reaching through a window can count as entry, or charges may apply in a situation where a person allegedly entered a property lawfully and remained inside after closing with the intent of committing a crime.
Robbery
When theft has allegedly been combined with an injury or threats to harm someone, a person could be charged with robbery. In some cases, accusations related to shoplifting may lead to charges of robbery, such as when a person is accused of striking and injuring a security guard while trying to leave a store with stolen merchandise. First-degree felony charges of aggravated robbery may apply if a person was allegedly armed with a deadly weapon.
Arson
Accusations that a person started a fire or caused an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage property can lead to charges of arson. These offenses may involve the use of fire to damage or destroy a building, a vehicle, or open land. People who are accused of burning their own property could face arson charges if they allegedly did so to collect insurance money.
Contact Our Richardson, Texas Property Crimes Attorneys
Property crime charges may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, and convictions can result in serious penalties. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can help you protect your job, your record, and your future opportunities by defending against property crime convictions. To address charges of theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, arson, or other related crimes, contact our Richardson, TX property crimes defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 and set up a free consultation.
