Experienced Theft Defense Lawyers Fighting Theft Charges
Theft is generally defined as the taking of one person’s property, without permission, with the intent of depriving the true owner. But under Texas criminal law, theft is a little more complicated than that.
Here, theft may be a crime unto itself, or the term may refer more generally to a number of different criminal offenses. That’s important to understand because, if the state charges you with a theft crime, it will have to prove the specific elements corresponding with the particular crime that is alleged.
It isn’t uncommon for prosecutors and police to choose the wrong offense for your set of facts. For that matter, it isn’t uncommon for the state to accuse someone who hasn’t done anything illegal whatsoever.
Misunderstandings are common in theft cases. The defendant’s intentions are extremely relevant to most Texas theft crimes, so it isn’t enough for the state to show that something was taken. The prosecutor must also establish the absence of consent and the presence of criminal intent.
Some theft laws get very complicated, though. The government tends to rely on questionable technology, baseless assumptions, and circumstantial evidence. Likewise, defendants are sometimes confused by the elements of the crime (consider, for example, that some so-called “theft crimes” like burglary don’t require theft at all).
You should know, though, that the government has a number of key advantages in these cases. They often obtain convictions based on weak circumstantial evidence. That is especially likely with defendants who choose to represent themselves.
Whether you’re accused of low-level shoplifting, aggravated robbery, high-level identity fraud, or any theft crime in between, you need to take immediate legal action. You should contact the theft defense lawyers at The Criminal Defense Firm right away.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
Our firm is dedicated to aggressively and strategically defending people accused of theft crimes in Texas, including both state and federal cases. We have been successful in getting charges dropped for many of our clients, and that will be our goal in your case, too. Please call our theft defense lawyers today.
Types of Theft in Texas
Common theft charges in Texas include:
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Home burglary (i.e., home invasion)
- Burglary of a coin-operated machine
- Robbery
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Check fraud
- Bank fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Internet fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Identity theft
- Possession of stolen property
- Criminal trespass
Note that, unlike some other states, Texas does not have a designated Grand Theft Auto statute. Instead, the theft of a motor vehicle is typically prosecuted under the general theft statutes, but the penalties can still be very severe. Unlawfully borrowing a vehicle can also constitute theft.
Theft is also sometimes referred to as larceny or criminal conversion.
Many of the theft-related offenses in Texas are also illegal under the U.S. criminal code and can be prosecuted as serious federal crimes. The experienced theft defense lawyers at The Criminal Defense Firm are available to handle both state and federal criminal cases, and we are proud to have earned a strong record of success in each.
Representing Yourself Is a Mistake
Defendants tend to make big mistakes when handling legal proceedings on their own. Unfortunately, many people try to handle theft charges themselves before realizing that they need a lawyer’s help. That is especially true with lesser charges petty theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and the like.
You might think that you can make a good impression on the judge by yourself, or that you can’t afford a private lawyer so you don’t have any other choice. Make no mistake. Judges love to make examples out of low-level theft defendants. If you were to spend a day or two in criminal court, you’d see the look of regret on defendants who decided to handle things on their own. It is almost always a mistake.
Obviously, the stakes are even higher for more serious theft crimes. The consequences of conviction could ruin your life. Don’t let that happen. Get yourself the very best theft defense attorneys or legal defense you can find.
Our theft defense lawyers have made an enormous difference in the outcome of so many cases. We care about what happens to you, and we will start fighting for you from Day One. Our services are affordable, and they may be the best investment you ever make.
Contact Our Theft Defense Lawyers
Theft charges are serious, and you need to respond urgently and wisely. Please don’t delay. Call our experienced theft defense lawyers at 866-603-4540 or contact us online and ask for a free consultation today.
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