Austin Theft Crime Attorney
Protecting Your Freedom Against Serious Theft Accusations
Theft or property crime charges can be serious—even for a first-time offense.
A conviction can damage your reputation, employment prospects, and future opportunities. At ME Law, we provide straightforward legal guidance and an aggressive defense strategy to help protect your freedom and clear your name.
Contact us online or at (512) 503-0707 to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense attorney in Austin, TX, today.
What are Theft and Property Crimes?
Theft and property crimes involve taking, damaging, or unlawfully interfering with someone else’s property without their consent and with the intent of depriving them of it.
These offenses range from minor shoplifting to felony burglary or arson, and they’re often charged based on the value of the property involved and the alleged intent. In Texas, many of these charges carry not just legal penalties, but lasting personal and professional consequences.
Types of Theft Crimes in Texas
In Texas there are various types of theft-related crimes, and each charge carries unique legal challenges:
- Shoplifting: Taking merchandise from a store without paying.
- Check Fraud: Writing a bad check or forging checks with the intent to defraud.
- Burglary: Entering a building or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony.
- Robbery: Theft involving force or threat of force against another person.
- Aggravated Robbery: Robbery that involves use of a deadly weapon or the threat of deadly force.
- Auto Theft: Taking a vehicle without permission.
- Embezzlement: Misappropriating money or property entrusted to you for your own personal benefit.
- Credit or Debit Card Theft: Using someone else’s card without permission.
- Criminal Mischief: Damaging property, including vandalism or graffiti.
- Arson: Intentionally setting fire to property, often charged as a felony.
- Identity Theft: Using someone else’s personal information (name, Social Security number, etc.) without their permission for financial gain.
To schedule a free case review
Penalties for Property Crimes and Theft Offenses
A theft offense is either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of what was taken. The higher the value, the harsher the penalty. Enhancements may apply if the offense involved a public servant, elderly victim, or firearm, or if there are prior convictions.
Here are some of the punishments and charges for theft crimes in Texas:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Up to $500 in fines
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 in fines
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 in fines
- State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines
- Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
- Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
- First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years (life) in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
In addition to the above punishments, you may also be ordered to pay restitution for any damaged or destroyed property. Our experienced Austin criminal defense attorney can help reduce charges and harsh penalties.
To schedule a free case review
Drug Crime Penalties in Texas
Drug crime penalties in Texas vary widely depending on the type and amount of controlled substance involved and if the offense has to do with possession, manufacturing, or delivery. The more serious the drug type and quantity, the harsher the consequences. Enhancements can also apply for intent to distribute, drug-free zones, or prior convictions.
Here are some of the punishments and charges for drug crimes in Texas:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Up to $500 in fines
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 in fines
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 in fines
- State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines
- Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
- Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
- First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years (life) in prison and/or $250,000 in fines
Common Theft Crime Defenses
To be convicted of a theft crime, the prosecution must be able to prove criminal intent (you knowingly and purposefully took the property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it) and possession of the property (you were in possession of the stolen property).
The criminal defense lawyers at ME Law in Austin, TX, will examine every detail of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of Intent: You may be able to avoid conviction if you can prove that you did not intend to deprive the owner of their property.
- Mistake of Fact: This occurs when you genuinely believed that you had the right to the property. You must be able to demonstrate that your belief was reasonable under the circumstances.
- Consent: If the property owner gave you permission to take the property, you must be able to show that the owner willingly allowed you to take it.
- Duress: You may be able to avoid theft charges if you were under duress when you committed theft, meaning that you were forced to commit the crime due to an immediate threat to your safety.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution lacks solid evidence and cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed theft, you can argue there isn’t enough proof for a conviction.
- Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers coerce or persuade someone to commit theft when they wouldn’t have otherwise. If you were pressured into committing a property crime, our Austin criminal defense lawyer will argue entrapment.
Contact Our Austin Theft Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with theft, burglary, robbery, or any other property-related crime, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Austin by your side. At ME Law Firm, our criminal defense team has extensive expertise in handling theft crimes of all types, and we tailor our defense strategy to your unique situation.
Start building your defense today. Contact us to schedule a free consultation by calling (512) 503-0707 or by filling out the contact form below.
What Our Clients Say
His communication was top-notch; I was kept informed every step of the way. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, I received a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Mikel Eggert to anyone facing property damage issues. He truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes!
Mikel Egger help me until the end and guiding me step by step and explaining everything perfectly.
100% recommend
M. Woodard
He was super timely with communications and most importantly helped resolve the issue without needing to escalate it to court.
I will definitely work with Mikel for future legal needs.
