Frisco Theft Defense Attorney
How Common are Arrests for Theft in Collin County?
Theft is a serious crime. People work hard to buy the things they need and want out of life, and expect those things to be secure. However, in Texas, theft is a common occurrence. There are an average of 500,000 arrests for theft in Texas every year, placing the State ninth in the nation for property crime. Because of this high rate, various cities have begun to “crack down” on multiple forms of theft. Often, these “crack downs” take the form of overly-aggressive arrests and unnecessarily harsh prosecution.
It’s easy for people to get caught in these sweeps and then be “made an example of.” While no one wants to have their property stolen, no one wants to be arrested just so the State can make an example of someone. However, that’s often precisely what happens. That’s why if you or a loved one has been arrested for theft in Frisco, it’s vital you contact one of our team’s experienced defense attorneys. Our team can review your case and help ensure you don’t end up being used to “send a message.”
No matter what type of theft charges you may be facing, you deserve the opportunity to tell your side of the story. With that in mind, we’re prepared to offer the trusted guidance and top-quality representation you need.
What is Considered Theft in Dallas County and Denton County?
“Theft” is a broad term encompassing a variety of potential crimes. These crimes are defined under Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, the collection of statutes that govern most theft crimes in the State. According to Section 31.03 of the Penal Code, a person commits theft by “appropriating property unlawfully.” Appropriation of property is considered to be unlawful if:
- Property is taken Without Consent
- Someone Receives Property Knowing it is Stolen
- Someone Fails or Refuses to Pay for Goods or Services Rendered
These are only a few examples of potential theft scenarios. Theft crimes in Texas can range greatly in their severity based on the nature and value of the property or services in question, in addition to other factors.
What are the Penalties for Theft in Texas?
Penalties for theft in Texas vary according to the value of the property or services in question. Generally, the higher the value of the stolen property or services, the harsher the penalties. This means even a “small” crime such as shoplifting can result in serious charges if the item(s) stolen were of a high-dollar value.
Penalties for theft are divided into multiple categories: misdemeanors, state jail felonies, and felonies. Theft of goods or services worth less than $2,500 is considered a misdemeanor. In Texas, a misdemeanor conviction for theft is punishable by a fine between $500 and $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
Theft of property or services worth between $2,500 and $30,000 is considered a state jail felony. This is the category that many theft charges fall under. Conviction for a state jail felony is punishable by between six months and two years in jail, and a fine up to $10,000.
Theft of goods or services worth more than $30,000 is considered a felony. Felony convictions for theft in Texas are punishable by between two and 99 years in prison plus fines. Many times, felony theft occurs in conjunction with another crime, such as the use of a weapon or assault and battery. This means felony theft cases are often aggressively pursued by the prosecution.
Can I Be Arrested for Theft Even If I Didn’t Take Anything?
Many people believe that if they attempted to steal something but failed, the State will not pursue charges against them. This is not necessarily true. There are circumstances under which you can still be arrested and tried.
Burglary is the crime of unlawfully entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft. This includes homes, businesses, and even vehicles. If you have entered someone else’s property for the purposes of stealing from them, but you fail to obtain the property, you can still be charged with burglary. Charges will depend on the type of property you entered.
Burglary of a vehicle is generally considered the “least” severe, while burglary of a home usually results in the most serious charges. Burglary of a vehicle is typically punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. However, burglary of a home is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. These penalties can increase if you leave the property with stolen items in your possession. That’s why if you or a loved one has been arrested on theft or burglary charges in North Texas, you must contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Is Taking Someone Else’s Car Considered Theft?
Taking a car that isn’t yours without permission is a type of theft. Depending on the circumstances, it is charged in one of three ways: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, or carjacking.
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is also sometimes called “joyriding.” Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s car with the intent to return it. It is essentially “borrowing without permission.” Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Theft of a motor vehicle involves taking someone else’s car without the use of threat or force, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This essentially means you took someone’s car without intending to give it back. What charges you might face for theft of a motor vehicle will depend on a variety of other factors, including the value of the car.
Carjacking is the most severe form of vehicle theft. It involves the theft of someone else’s vehicle by threat or force. Carjackings often involve firearms or other types of deadly weapons. Because of the violent circumstances of carjacking, these charges are the most severe and can result in prison sentences between 5 and 99 years.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested for Theft in Texas?
Many people have a built-in stigma against thieves. Skilled prosecutors will take advantage of this bias to convince juries to convict. That’s why you need someone on your side with the passion, dedication, and determination to help secure a dismissal or acquittal. In other words, you need the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson, P.L.L.C.
Our attorneys have 40 years of combined courtroom experience and have secured over 400 acquittals in that time. They don’t believe people are “examples” to be punished so law enforcement and politicians can look good. They believe every client is innocent until proven guilty, and will bring all of their compassion and aggression to the courtroom.
In addition to helping clients charged with theft, the team at the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. also handles a wide range of other crimes related to the appropriation or taking of another’s property.
Regardless of the charges, you can depend on our firm to work hard on your behalf. We begin every case with a comprehensive investigation, including the details of your arrest, the police report, eyewitness statements, and any available evidence. We believe the best defense is an aggressive offense against the prosecution, identifying every potential angle they could take against you and determining a strategy to counter it. Our compassion for our clients is matched only by our ferocity in the courtroom. In many cases, we’re able to negotiate with the court to find alternatives to a conviction, including having charges against you dropped or dismissed. In many instances, our clients never even see the beginning of a trial.
Arrests can be intimidating, and they can happen to anyone. No one wants to be “made an example of” by overzealous prosecutors. If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft, contact the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson, P.L.L.C. at (469) 517-3364 to schedule your free case evaluation. We represent clients in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Fairview, Allen, Prosper, Denton, Lewisville, The Colony, Little Elm, Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County, and the neighboring communities, and we can represent you if you need. Don’t become a statistic. Schedule your consultation today.
