Galveston Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

Experienced, Reliable & Reputable Criminal Defense Team

Have you or someone you love been arrested for a theft crime? These charges can affect your job or career, your social relations, and even your family relationships. Your boss or supervisor, co-workers, neighbors, and others may lose trust in your reputation. To combat this, you will need the legal support and guidance of a competent defense attorney, preferably one that has an abundance of experience dealing with these types of charges in the local courts.

At Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC you will find a legal team dedicated to protecting your rights while fighting hard to help you obtain a favorable outcome. Our Galveston theft crime lawyers are knowledgeable, skilled, and tenacious. We will get to work immediately investigating the circumstances of your arrest and exploring all legal avenues that may benefit your position.

Facing charges for theft? Call us at (409) 204-5566 to speak to one of our attorneys about your case during a free consultation.

Theft Crimes & Consequences in Texas

Theft consists of stealing another’s property or services and is punished according to the value and amount of what was allegedly stolen.

Under Texas law, theft includes:

• Shoplifting
• Retail theft
• Auto theft
• Property theft
• Stolen goods
• Grand theft auto
• Credit card theft
• Burglary
• Check forgery
• Identity theft
• White-collar crimes

The charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor of property stolen that is valued at less than $50 to a first-degree felony of property valued at $300,000 or above. A Class C misdemeanor theft is punishable by a fine of up to $500 while a first-degree felony theft carries penalties of 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Other circumstances surrounding the theft may elevate the charge and penalties, such as if force or a weapon was used during the commission of the crime or if a public servant stole the property from a governmental agency.

Theft Crimes FAQ

How does Texas define theft?

Theft is defined as unlawful appropriation of property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property.

This a single offense superseding the separate offenses previously known as theft, theft by false pretext, conversion by a bailee, theft from the person, shoplifting, acquisition of property by threat, swindling, swindling by worthless check, embezzlement, extortion, receiving or concealing embezzled property, and receiving or concealing stolen property.

It is also illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute shielding or deactivating instruments used for shoplifting.

How do I get my theft charges dropped?

The best possibility for dismissing or reducing your theft charges is by retaining our Galveston theft crimes lawyer immediately. Once you’ve been charged for committing theft, the law moves very quickly to establish a strong argument in favor of your conviction. The sooner you contact us, the better chance your case has at succeeding. Our team will do everything in our power to uphold your best interests.

Will I be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for a theft crime?

Texas penalizes offenses according to the value and type of property stolen.

• Class C Misdemeanor: The value of the property or services stolen is less than $50. You may be fined up to $500 and receive no jail time.
• Class B Misdemeanor: The value of the property or services stolen is $50 to $500, or the property stolen is a driver's license or other identification card. You may be fined up to $2,000 and face up to 180 days in jail.
• Class A Misdemeanor: The value of the property or services stolen is $500 to $1,500. You may be fined up to $4,000 and serve up to 1 year in jail.
• State Jail Felony: The value of the property or services stolen is $1,500 to $20,000, or the property is of a specific type, such as a firearm or certain livestock valued at less than $20,000. You may be fined up to $10,000 and face incarceration for 180 days to 2 years.
• 3^rd Degree Felony: The value of the property or services stolen is $20,000 to $100,000, or the property is of a specific type, such as certain livestock valued at less than $100,000. You may be fined up to $10,000 and face 2 to 10 years of imprisonment.
• 2^nd Degree Felony: The value of the property or services stolen is $100,000 to $200,000. You may be fined up to $10,000 and face prison for 2 to 20 years.
• 1^st Degree Felony: The value of the property or services stolen is $200,000 or more. You may be fined up to $10,000 and serve 5 to 99 years in prison.

What if I didn’t intend to commit theft?

There are instances in which our clients will explain that they had no idea they were committing theft, or unknowing accompanied a person who committed theft and are now facing legal repercussions for it. This may sound far-fetched, but it is actually possible. You may have bought stolen property from someone without realizing the property was stolen. Another example might be if you were at the mall with a friend and they shoplifted without you being aware of it. Simply being with that shoplifter could result in your theft charge, even though you didn’t do it.

Regardless, it’s essential to understand that you have a higher chance of facing a misdemeanor or felony charge without hiring our qualified Galveston theft crime attorney to build a strategic case on your behalf. Our team will work diligently to prove that you had no knowledge or intent of committing theft, and we are dedicated to utilizing additional defense tactics that may bring your case a positive result.

What types of theft could I be charged for?

Under Texas law, theft includes:

• Shoplifting
• Retail theft
• Auto theft
• Property theft
• Stolen goods
• Grand theft auto
• Credit card theft
• Burglary
• Check forgery
• Identity theft
• White-collar crimes

Each theft crime is punished according to the value and type of property stolen. Varying levels of fines and imprisonment accompany each theft crime, typically.

Can I get my theft crime expunged from my record?

In most cases, yes. However, you should contact our theft crimes lawyer to ensure you meet each requirement and won’t run into any problems during the process.

Records that are eligible for expunction include, but are not limited to:

• An arrest for a crime that was never charged
• A criminal charge that was ultimately dismissed
• Certain qualifying misdemeanor juvenile offenses
• Conviction for a crime that was later acquitted by the trial court or the Criminal Court of Appeals
• Conviction for a crime that was later pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the US President

What happens if I have a prior conviction for a theft crime and get charged for theft afterwards?

If you have one prior theft crime conviction for any degree of theft that involved property valued at less than $50, you may face a Class B misdemeanor rather than a Class C misdemeanor.

If you have two or more prior theft convictions for any degree of theft that involved property valued at less than $1,500, you may face a state jail felony rather than a Class B or Class A misdemeanor.

Get Proficient Defense from Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC

When accused of a theft crime, the time to get in touch with one of our accomplished Galveston theft crime attorneys is right away. The sooner we intervene to protect you and investigate the circumstances, the better. We may be able to have charges reduced or even dismissed in some cases. Our firm is here to be your advocate and to fight on your behalf for the very best outcome possible.

If you are facing charges for theft, call (409) 204-5566 to start your defense today.