Texas Theft Laws

Theft is a relatively broad criminal charge that includes various kinds of offenses, including shoplifting, bouncing checks, buying stolen property, or simply taking an item that is not yours. The punishment for a theft can range in severity, depending on the value of the item that was stolen and the damage that resulted from it.

According to Texas law, theft is defined as “taking someone else's property without consent, either by way of deception or physically stealing the item”. You do not have to keep the item, but rather have it for long enough that you deprive the owner of its value. If you or someone you love has been accused of felony theft, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.

Theft Penalties

The following penalties may be applied to a theft conviction:

• State jail felony: 180 days to two years in jail, a fine of no more than $10,000
• Third-degree felony: two to 10 years in a state prison, a fine of no more than $10,000
• Second-degree felony: two to 20 years in a state prison, a fine of no more than $10,000
• First-degree felony: five to 99 years in a state prison, a fine of no more than $10,000

Theft can lead to serious penalties that could have a profound effect on your life and the lives of your loved ones. To make sure you are fairly represented in a court of law, considering hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer to work on your case. By doing so, you may be able to increase your chances of a favorable result in court.

Contact Us

For more information about Texas theft laws, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.