There are many different types of theft that can be alleged by the State. Theft runs the spectrum from shoplifting, copper wire theft, employee theft, to theft by check. There are too many different scenarios to list them all on this website.
The law in the State of Texas states that a person commits a theft if he unlawfully appropriates (takes) property with intent to deprive the owner of property.
The consequences of being convicted of theft range anywhere from a fine to life in prison. Theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude. It is extremely important to fight these types of offenses, because employers often have issue with theft cases, for obvious reasons.
It is important to remember that the severity of the charge levied for theft is broken down into classes, based on the dollar amount of the items stolen:
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of up to $50 is a class “C” misdemeanor
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $50 to $500 is a class “B” misdemeanor
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $500 to $1500 is a class “A” misdemeanor
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $1500 to $20,000 is a state jail felony
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $20,000 to $100,000 is a third degree felony
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $100,000 to $200,000 is a second degree felony
- Theft of cash or goods with a value of $200,000 or more is a first degree felony
There are very often viable defenses in theft cases. There are often witness issues and other means of attacking the State’s case. Often, the case does not get filed for years after the theft occurred, because the theft was concealed, which leads to additional issues.
Fraud cases, while covered under a different section of the penal code from theft cases, are very similar in nature to theft cases.
The types of fraud cases can be varied from prescription fraud to mortgage fraud. Once again, there are too many different scenarios under which someone may be charged with fraud to list them all on this website.
If you are charged with theft or fraud, you should seek the help of an attorney to council you in your court proceedings. We would like to discuss your individual situation with you.