Conroe Theft Lawyer

According to Texas law, theft is the act of illegally taking or acquiring property with the intent of depriving the original owner of that property. Facing potential theft charges in Texas can be intimidating, as penalties can be serious if you are ultimately convicted. That’s why if you’re facing theft charges in Conroe, TX it’s essential to get the legal representation that will fight for you, like the team at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC.

Expert Theft Attorney and Criminal Defense in Conroe, TX

Having a defense attorney who will listen to you and work to defend you throughout your case is critical. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we understand just how daunting facing theft charges in Texas can be. That’s why our team is committed to providing professional, compassionate legal services for every case that we take on. With over a decade of legal practice, our team has worked on hundreds of different cases and is prepared to assist you through yours as well. If you’re looking for an experienced defense lawyer that you can count on to defend your rights in Conroe, don’t postpone reaching out to our firm today.

Types of Theft in Texas

Because theft is the general act of unlawfully taking property that doesn’t belong to you, there are multiple different categories. The different types of theft charges in Texas include:

• Shoplifting: The act of stealing goods and materials from a store.
• Burglary: Breaking into a building with the intent of committing a crime such as theft, assault, etc.
• Robbery: Intentionally threatening or assaulting an individual in order to take their property or money.
• Fraud: Acquiring someone’s property, money, or other assets through purposeful deception.
• Possession of Stolen Property: Buying or acquiring property that you know is stolen.
• Identity Theft: Illegally acquiring someone’s personal information to use their assets as your own.
• Employee Theft / Embezzlement: Stealing company property or funds.
• Extortion: Using threats of violence, damage, or destruction, actual violence, damaging property, or other illegal behaviors to coerce property, funds, or assets from another person.
• Theft of Trade Secrets: Illegally acquiring or sharing a highly protected company secret without the consent of the individual or group that owns it.

Misdemeanor Vs. Felony Theft

The crime of theft is what is known as a “wobbler charge” in Texas. This means that the type of theft committed and the value of the property stolen will affect whether or not the act is considered a misdemeanor or a felony.

You can be charged with a misdemeanor theft if:

1. Class A: The value of the stolen property was between $750 and $2,500, and it is the defendant’s first offense.
2. Class B: The value of the stolen property was between $100 and $750, or the value of the property that was stolen was less than $100, but it is not the defendant’s first charge, or the defendant stole a personal ID card, such as a driver’s license.
3. Class C: The value of the stolen property was less than $100.

You can be charged with felony theft in Texas, if:

First Degree: The value of the stolen property was over $300,000.

Second Degree: The value of the stolen property was between $150,000 and $300,000, or the property stolen was an ATM and/or what it held.

Third Degree: The value of the property that was stolen was between $30,000 and $150,000, the property stolen was certain types of livestock, or the property that was stolen was large amounts of controlled substances.

State Jail Felony: The value of the property that was stolen was between $2,500 and $30,000, or the value of the property stolen was less than $2,500, but it is the defendant’s third or further charge, the property was taken from another person or grave, or the property stolen included a firearm, livestock, or an election ballot.

Why You Need a Defense Lawyer for Theft

When it comes to facing theft charges, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we can fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Our team can not only help you better understand the laws around your charge, but we can work with you to find a solution that best represents you and your side of the story. We know that the potential consequences you’re facing are intimidating, from jail time to heavy fines. Our team will work to represent you to the best of our ability. With our experience, extensive knowledge of the law, and negotiation skills, our team will defend you.

Theft Charge FAQs

Q: What Is the Penalty for Misdemeanor Theft in TX?

A: Depending on what class of a misdemeanor you’re charged with, penalties can range from fines of $100 to $4,000, as well as jail time anywhere from a few days to a year.

Q: What Is the Penalty for Felony Theft in TX?

A: Each degree of felony theft has different penalties, but they can range from fines of up to $10,000 as well as state jail or even prison time for many years.

Q: What Is Petty Theft?

A: Petty theft is the lowest legal level of theft, otherwise classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

Q: Can Petty Theft Charges Be Dropped?

A: It is possible to have a petty theft charge dropped if there is sufficient evidence to prove that the property was not actually stolen.

Conroe Theft Attorney

If you’re facing theft charges in Conroe, Texas, don’t wait to find legal representation that can help you. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we are ready to listen to your case and develop a plan of action for your unique case. Whether you’re up against a small petty theft charge or are facing a felony theft conviction, you deserve to have an experienced attorney on your side who is willing to fight for you. To learn more about the different legal services we offer or how we may be able to assist you in your Conroe theft case, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with one of our team members.