Angleton Theft Lawyer

Angleton Theft Attorney

If you have been accused of theft in Angleton, then you could be facing serious consequences that change your life. You will need to get in touch with an experienced Angleton theft lawyer to defend you in the face of these charges and advocate for your rights.

As soon as you become aware of the charges against you, be it through arrest or official notice, you should reach out to a lawyer. Try to remain calm and not speak to anyone about your case until you share all of the details of your situation with your defense attorney. Your lawyer will collect the facts and evaluate how to proceed when crafting a solid defense for a positive outcome.

What Are the Punishments for Theft in Angleton, TX?

If you are facing charges for theft crimes in Angleton, Texas, you will be up against a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the context of your situation. For instance, the amount of goods that you are accused of stealing, whether or not there was violence involved, and your criminal history are all factors that might shape the charges that you are looking at.

Penalties for a Misdemeanor Theft in Angleton, TX

Typically, if you have been accused of stealing less than $2,500, then you will be charged with a misdemeanor. The Texas Penal Code then breaks down punishments for your misdemeanor conviction further based on the amount stolen. For example, if the goods you are found guilty of stealing are worth less than $100, you will likely be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. In this case, you will have to pay around $5,000 and not have to spend time in jail.

• Class A Misdemeanor: If you are convicted of a theft of property that is worth between $750 and $2,500, you can expect to face a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year in jail and monetary fines.
• Class B Misdemeanor: If you are found guilty of stealing goods between $100 and $750 (or if you have past theft convictions or stole someone’s identification card), you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
• Class C Misdemeanor: If you are convicted of stealing goods that are worth less than $100, you will face a maximum fine of $500.

Penalties for a Felony Theft in Angleton, TX

On the other hand, if you are charged with a felony, then you are being charged with stealing what is worth more than $2,500. Similar to penalties for misdemeanors, the penalties that you will face will then depend on the amount of money stolen in addition to any aggravating factors. For instance:

• State-Jail Felony: If you are convicted of stealing between $2,500 and $30,000, you will be facing up to two years in state prison.
• Third-Degree Felony: If you are found guilty of stealing between $30,000 and $150,000, then you will likely face third-degree felony charges, which include punishments including up to a decade in prison.
• Second-Degree Felony: If you are convicted of theft of between $150,000 and $300,000, then you can face up to twenty years in prison.
• First-Degree Felony: If the involved amount is above $300,000, you might see up to ninety-nine years in prison.

Angleton Theft Lawyer FAQs

Q: How Do You Get Theft Charges Dropped in Texas?

A: If you are looking at theft charges of any kind, then the most efficient way to fight them is to reach out to a seasoned theft attorney who has a background practicing in Texas. Your lawyer will have an in-depth understanding of the Texas criminal defense system and will know how to advocate for you effectively. Your lawyer will assess your situation and determine what evidence and legal strategy is appropriate for attempting to get your charges dropped.

Q: What Is the Theft Amount of a Felony in Texas?

A: In general, you have to be charged with stealing items that are worth $2,500 or more in order to be charged with a felony in the state of Texas. However, there are some factors that complicate this and might leave you with a felony charge. For example, if you are charged with the theft of a firearm or any sort of controlled substance, you are likely to face a felony charge rather than the typical misdemeanor, even if what you were allegedly stealing was less than $2,500.

Q: Is Theft of a Firearm a Felony in Texas?

A: Yes. If you are being charged with stealing a firearm in Texas, then you are being charged with a felony. While the difference between some felonies and misdemeanors depends on the value of what was stolen, for some items, the crime is automatically a felony. A firearm is one of these items, and if you are found guilty, you can spend up to two years in jail and have to pay thousands of dollars in fines.

Q: What Is a First-Degree Felony Theft in Texas?

A: If you steal more than $300,000 worth of goods, you can face a first-degree felony conviction in Texas. This can lead to you having to spend anywhere between 5 and 99 years in prison, as well as paying costly fines. You can also end up with a first-degree felony charge if there are other aggravating factors in your case, like if you are found guilty of burglary involving trespassing or causing someone else bodily harm during the theft.

Contact a Fierce Theft Lawyer in Angleton Today

Time is not your ally when you are up against serious criminal charges such as theft offenses. If you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony theft charge in Angleton, Texas, you should not waste time reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer. The sooner your attorney becomes familiar with your case, the more time that they will have to prepare a strong defense.

Mr. Joseph Ruiz is a seasoned Texas theft attorney and can provide you with vital advice and support for your case. No matter what you are up against, Mr. Ruiz can take the time to critically evaluate the factors involved and put together a strong legal defense. Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today to schedule your consultation and find out more about how he can help you.