Theft Crimes

Theft

Simple theft, also known as larceny, is the taking of someone else’s property without the right to do so with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of that property. Simple theft may involve:

• Taking money or property without permission when the owner is absent or not looking
• Pickpocketing
• Shoplifting in a store
• Persuading someone to give you their money or property under false pretenses

The punishment for theft largely depends on the amount of money or value of property stolen. Shoplifting is the most common theft crime charged in Texas. This offense can be described as taking merchandise out of a store without paying the full price set by the store. This means that a person can be accused of shoplifting for disabling an anti-theft device and taking an item out of a store without paying, as well as for switching price tags and paying less than the set amount. A first-time offender who steals less than $100 faces a fine of up to $500; A second offense, however, may subject the defendant to some jail time and a higher fine than that imposed for the first conviction. The theft of larger amounts of money or property and any value of firearms or livestock will be treated as a felony and will require imprisonment, possibly for years, and a $10,000 fine. If you face a larceny charge, we will provide skilled representation that upholds your rights.

Theft of Services

This happens when a person intentionally does not pay for services they acquired. For example, if a person hires a company to come do some cleaning of their home, then never pays the company for the time and labor used to do the cleaning. There are no tangible goods stolen, but the workers are not compensated for the service they provided.

Burglary

Burglary is the unlawful entry of a home or other public or private building with the intention of committing a theft, assault or felony inside. But burglary is also charged when someone invades an occupied dwelling for the purpose of raping, assaulting or robbing the inhabitants or when someone breaks into a vehicle to steal or strip it. You also commit a burglary if you enter a building legally but remain there longer than permitted, such as by hiding in a department store after hours. The penalties for burglary depend on what is being burglarized and why:

• A vehicle not used as a dwelling — Up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000
• A building not used as a dwelling — 180 days to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• A dwelling — Between two and 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if the purpose was theft or assault, and five to 99 years if the intent was committing another felony

Robbery

Robbery occurs when someone committing theft intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes or threatens bodily injury. Aggravated robbery occurs when the defendant uses or displays a deadly weapon or the victim is elderly or disabled. Simple robbery is punishable by two to 20 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; aggravated robbery by five to 99 years in prison and/or a similar fine. If you are charged with robbery or aggravated robbery, you can rely on me to thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and provide you with a vigorous defense.