Texas Theft Crimes

Burglary | False Pretense | Robbery | Stolen Property | Shoplifting

Theft is Stealing

Theft crimes are committed when a person knowingly and willfully takes someone else’s property. Theft crimes include all forms of stealing and penalties range from fines to jail sentences.

Theft crimes and related charges usually depend upon the value of the property that is stolen. If convicted of a theft related crime, you could face severe punishments such as imprisonment, monetary fines, community service, and probation. You may also be sued by the rightful owner of the property for damages. A theft conviction will show up on your criminal record, which can negatively impact any future employment, education, or housing opportunities you may have.

In Texas, the most common types of theft crimes include:

Theft: Theft of another person’s property, with a range of punishment dependent on the monetary value of the property stolen.

Identity theft: Stealing or using another person’s personal information, without consent, as your own to commit fraud.

Burglary of a Building: Theft, at the felony level, in which the offender breaks into a building. If you have been arrested for theft, your best course of action is to hire a competent Dallas criminal defense attorney with criminal law experience.

The Law Office of Ward Maedgen, Dallas Texas Criminal Defense  Attorney represents clients accused of Misdemeanor, Federal and Felony theft crimes in Federal and State Court. If you are charged with a theft related crime contact Ward Maedgen Criminal Defense Attorney for a free consultation. Consequences for the conviction of theft or any of the above mentioned crimes may potentially include:

* Imprisonment
* Probation or parole
* Restitution (paid to the victims to compensate for any losses)
* Court ordered counseling
* Significant fines

The likelihood of any of the above consequences depends upon the following factors:

* Prior similar convictions
* Any other prior convictions
* Currently on probation or parole
* Attitude of community and court toward this type of crime
* Degree of media attention on case
* Mitigating/aggravating circumstances
* Other

Defenses of Theft may potentially include:

* Insufficient evidence
* Factual innocence
* True owner
* Other

What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?

* Gather documentation of your good character (reference letters, employment history,
  community service, etc.)
* Exercise your right to remain silent
* Retain qualified counsel as soon as possible
* Keep a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses (this information will help
  your attorney prepare the best possible defense)
* DO NOT investigate your own case

What can we do to help?

* Early preparation, including legal research and defense identification
* Early investigation and identification of all facts helpful to your defense
* Interview police to minimize or eliminate the case
* Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
* Interview all witnesses
* Provide emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are continually updated
  as to the status of your case
* Provide vigorous and aggressive defense
* In appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
* Obtain an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist (to show counseling
  may be a better alternative to jail)
* Coordinate a private lie detector test
* Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
* Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence

As your criminal defense attorney I will insist that all information be provided and that you and I walk through all this information as we discuss and proceed on your case. Call us today for a Free Consultation.
 

               Dallas / North Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

         "Board Certified - Criminal Law Texas Board of Legal Specialization"