Understanding Theft and Property Crimes in Texas
Theft and property crime charges in Texas carry serious consequences that can impact your freedom, employment, and future opportunities. These charges range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony burglary and robbery, each with escalating penalties based on the value of property involved and circumstances of the alleged crime.
Texas Penal Code defines theft as unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner of that property. Property crimes include burglary, robbery, criminal mischief, and various forms of theft. The prosecution must prove specific elements for each charge, including intent, unlawful taking, and knowledge of ownership. An experienced defense attorney can challenge these elements and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Strategic Defense for Property Crimes
Effective defense against theft and property crime charges requires thorough investigation of the evidence, examination of police procedures, and understanding of complex legal defenses available under Texas law.
Our defense strategies include challenging the prosecution's proof of intent, questioning identification procedures, examining surveillance evidence for authenticity and chain of custody, and investigating potential defenses such as consent, mistake of fact, or claim of right. We also explore plea alternatives, restitution options, and first-offender programs that may be available to minimize the impact on your record and future.