While some might argue that theft is not a major concern in Texas, the truth is that lawmakers and, consequently, law enforcement over the last year have been focusing more of their efforts on this crime. At the least, depending on where you live in Texas, the local governments have been redefining and reforming how theft is treated overall. The point is, if you are accused of theft in Texas, you should be prepared for an unexpected outcome. The legal system in Texas may not just give you a "slap on the wrist" for an offense like this, so it is important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney representing your best interests.

The Latest Developments in Theft Law Across Texas

For the most part, theft is a serious crime in Texas. Lawmakers and law enforcement officials alike have not neglected to focus on it. In fact, during the past year, a wide variety of policy and law changes have been enacted that could affect many Texans. A few of the most recent developments in theft law throughout Texas include:

While it is true that states across the nation have legalized marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally, you should know that Texas still remains one of the strictest states when it comes to drug possession enforcement. While you might think that having a small amount of marijuana in your possession is not that big of a deal, in the state of Texas, it is considered a serious criminal offense. Drug possession, in general, includes penalty groups that determine punishments depending on the controlled substance and the amount. It is important to understand the different penalties if you ever face any drug-related charges. 

Drug Possession Penalty Groups

There are four main drug penalty groups in Texas, with a few subsets. These penalty groups are determined based on the type of drugs involved. The groups are:

A few years ago, hemp was legalized at the federal level thanks to a Farm Bill that enables people to cultivate, sell, and possess the hemp plant and hemp-related compounds, such as CBD (cannabidiol). In these cases, the level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content found within the product must be less than .3 percent. Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, but marijuana tends to contain much more THC, making it a drug that can provide its users with a high. Since the Farm Bill has made CBD products more common, and marijuana has been legalized in other states, Texas has also changed its policies. In June of 2019, Texas passed a bill legalizing hemp such that the state would be in agreement and coordination with the federal government. However, despite this new legislation, you cannot buy just any edible product that contains CBD, and possession of any product with a THC level above 0.3% could lead to potential criminal consequences. In some instances, possessing marijuana edibles could land you in jail, and some prosecutors in Texas are even issuing warnings to the public that the wrong edible could bring with it significant penalties.  

Under Texas law, there are multiple different offenses regarding driving while intoxicated (DWI), and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Ultimately, which crime you are charged with depends on your history and your BAC level. Here is a closer look at each type of charge related to DWI:

Definition and Penalties for Class A DWI Charges

A Class A DWI charge is more severe than a Class B offense, because it can imply repeat offenses of a similar crime or a stronger case for the prosecution due to sobriety test results. In particular, if someone is charged with a Class A DWI offense, the following might be true: