Houston Theft Lawyer Fighting Tirelessly to Get Clients Favorable Results

Crimes of shoplifting, robbery, and theft can result in misdemeanors or felonies in Texas, with associated punishment including fines, as well as prison sentences ranging from 90 days in jail to 30 years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime. If you’ve been charged with theft, robbery, shoplifting or a related crime, you owe it to yourself to obtain the assistance of an experienced, licensed Houston theft lawyer with a strong track record of success. A  Houston theft attorney could examine each detail of your case and use the best available legal resources to build a defense.

What is Considered Theft?

When something is taken from the owner without consent, it’s a theft. Plain and simple. Although it’s not very commonly charged, a theft can even occur if the individual doesn’t get away with the stolen object. If the object is moved, even slightly, the person can still be charged with theft, as long as it can be proven the intent was to steal.

You often hear the word “shoplifting”, which is a general term for theft specifically from a business or retail store. The elements of shoplifting are exactly the same as theft. Actually, there is no separate crime of shoplifting in Texas. Everything is considered theft.

What is the Punishment for Theft?

Theft offenses are based on the amount or value of the objects taken. Small items, such as stealing a shirt or food item, would be a Class C misdemeanor since the total value is less than $100. But if $1000 worth of electronics is stolen, then it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, since the value is between $750-$2,500. Class B Thefts are in between, and anything over $2,500 is a felony, which is a different ball game. If you have prior theft convictions on your record, your penalties will likely be more severe as well. If you have two theft convictions on your record, then get a third one, it will turn into a felony, regardless of the amount stolen. You could steal a cup of coffee and end up with a felony because of your prior theft offense convictions. This is another reason you’ll want to enlist the help of a seasoned theft lawyer to ensure you don’t get convicted.

What Are Common Defenses Against Theft Charges?

There are many defenses to theft. They range from the wrong person being accused to mistaken ownership to a complete accident. To be convicted of a theft crime, the prosecution must prove without a shadow of a doubt that you set out to intentionally steal an item from another person. If you’d like to talk in detail about your situation, our Houston criminal defense law firm would happily analyze your case.

Do I Need to Work with a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring the right attorney for your situation from the beginning is pivotal. Poor legal decisions will have a negative effect on the case as it progresses. While many theft crimes are misdemeanors, having a theft conviction on your personal record could have a huge negative impact on your life. Employers will be less trustworthy and there could be a sense of shame from your friends and family. You want a theft lawyer with years of experience who will fight next to you. The Law Office of Michael H. Pham won’t stop until we’ve done everything in our power to get the case dismissed against you. Contact us today ​to start working on your strongest defense.