Bell County Theft Attorney
From the large-scale larceny offenses down to seemingly minor shoplifting cases, Texas officials are aggressive in apprehending and pursuing charges for theft. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), authorities arrest almost 49,000 individuals every year for the unlawful misappropriation of property. If you have been charged with theft, you could be facing counts ranging from a Class C Misdemeanor to a First Degree Felony. A solid defense and other strategies for fighting the allegations are essential.
Our team at The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC is committed to serving those arrested for theft crimes, and criminal defense is our core practice area. Even if your circumstances look grim, you should always remember that an arrest does not equate to guilt. There are opportunities throughout the proceedings to fight the charges, so please contact us to learn more about them. You can set up a free consultation with a Bell County theft defense attorney, though some basics may be useful.
Punishment for Theft Offenses in Texas
Theft is the taking of property that does not belong to you, with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of its use or possession. Under Texas law, the nature of the charges varies according to the value of the item that was misappropriated. Therefore:
- Theft at less than $50 is a Class C Misdemeanor, for which a judge could order a $500 fine.
- Taking something valued under $500 is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail.
- You could face a Class A Misdemeanor for theft up to $1,500, which could lead to a one-year jail sentence.
- For property valued up to $200,000, you could be arrested for a Third or Second Degree Felony. The punishment for a conviction starts at a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison, but a judge could order 10 or 20 years.
- Theft in excess of $200,000 is a First Degree Felony. The mandatory minimum is 5 years in prison, and the maximum is 99 years to life.
Steps in the Criminal Process
A theft case typically starts with an arrest, though some matters are initiated with a grand jury indictment. It is essential to consult with a Bell County theft attorney from the earliest stages to take advantage of all potential defenses. The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC will advise you throughout the proceedings, including:
- Arraignment and seeking bond for your pretrial release;
- Reviewing the prosecutor’s evidence;
- Conducting an investigation to gather evidence in your favor;
- Representing you at motion hearings and court appearances;
- Discussing plea bargain with the prosecutor; and
- Defending you at trial.
You Can Rely on Our Bell County Theft Attorneys for Your Defense
To learn more about the legal process in a Texas theft crimes case, please contact The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC at 254-330-3214 or via our website. We are happy to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Bell County theft defense attorney who can assist with strategy and explain next steps.
