Houston Theft & Property Crimes
In Texas, theft is a broad criminal charge that includes a range of offenses from shoplifting to employee theft to buying or selling stolen property.
The punishment generally depends on the value of the stolen item, and can be as serious as a first degree felony.
Theft offenses are considered "crimes of moral turpitude," meaning they are contrary to good morals or honesty, and therefore can devastate your reputation, job, and your relationships.
Because of the consequences of a theft conviction, it is crucial to hire a qualified lawyer. Neal has experience and expertise in these types of cases. Many times, he has prevented theft offenses from being charged or has gotten them dismissed or reduced. Of course, every case is different and results may vary depending on the facts of a case.
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer for your theft accusations
Unfortunately, life takes all types of twists in turns. For example, being accused of theft. This is a serious crime that the State of Texas treats harshly. The seriousness of the crime depends on the amount of the alleged theft. Often, retailers will claim the amount based on the retail value, which may not be accurate if the item is on sale.
Skilled and qualified Houston criminal lawyers know the implications of just being charged with theft. You are embarrassed. Not to mention you stand losing your job or never getting hired.
Theft is considered as a crime of moral turpitude. Such crimes are contrary to good morals and honesty. No doubt a theft can destroy everything you have built until now, such as relationships, respect, career, reputation, and dignity.
But all is not lost. A charge does not make you a convicted criminal. You can and should do everything you can to fight the charge, including hiring the best criminal attorney in Houston, Texas.
The statue for the theft is broad and covers many categories. Theft includes shoplifting, conversion, swindling, extortion, embezzlement, and receiving stolen property. Harris county criminal lawyers are aware of and well versed in the various types of theft and the penalties you face if the accusations are proven. It is important you meet your criminal attorney in Houston, Texas, in person to make sure you are comfortable with them representing you at this most important part of your life.
As mentioned earlier the penalties are based on the value of the property, you have been accused of stealing.
- Property Value: 50 to 500$, Class B Misdemeanor, Penalty: Up to 6 months jail term
- Property Value: 500 to 1500$, Class A Misdemeanor, Penalty: Up to 1 year jail term
- Property Value: 1500 to 20,000$, State Jail Felony, Penalty: 6 months to 2 years jail term depending upon the circumstance of the accusations.
- Property Value: 20,000 to 100,000$, Third Degree Felony, Penalty: 2 to 10 years of jail term depending upon your accusations
- Property Value: 100,000 to 200,000$, Second Degree Felony, Penalty: 2 to 20 years of jail term depending upon the evidence and accusations
- Property Value: Over 200,000$, First Degree felony, Penalty: 5 to 99 years of jail term which can considerably take away majority of your life.
Criminal lawyers Houston TX are highly qualified and experienced to handle your theft related accusations. Find a lawyer who is Board Certified in criminal law, has over ten years’ experience, and has a proven history of handling these cases and getting results. Understand that your life is at stake and you cannot afford to jeopardize it. For further details, visit www.houstoncriminalattorney.com.