Property Crimes
Theft, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, criminal mischief. Texas property crimes range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies depending on the value of the property and the circumstances of the offense.
Theft
Texas theft law consolidates what other states divide into larceny, shoplifting, embezzlement, and receiving stolen property. The offense level is driven by value: under $100 is a Class C misdemeanor; $300,000 or more is a first-degree felony. Prior theft convictions enhance the punishment range, so a person with two prior theft convictions faces a state-jail felony even for shoplifting.
Burglary
Burglary of a habitation is a second-degree felony: two to twenty years. If the defendant entered with intent to commit a felony other than theft, or if anyone was assaulted or a deadly weapon was exhibited, it becomes a first-degree felony. Burglary of a building (a commercial structure) is a state-jail felony.
The distinction between criminal trespass and burglary often turns on intent at the moment of entry. We challenge the State’s ability to prove what a person intended when they walked through a door.
Fraud
Credit card abuse, identity theft, forgery, securing execution of a document by deception. Fraud cases are document-heavy and detail-intensive. The defense often turns on whether the State can prove intent to deceive, or whether a transaction that looks suspicious was in fact authorized or mistaken. For federal fraud charges, see federal white-collar crimes.
Talk to us
If you have been convicted, we handle appeals.
713-224-1747.