Tarrant County Theft Lawyer

Theft can be a complex criminal charge, as many crimes fall under the definition of “theft” and some carry the potential for civil suits against the accused as well as criminal charges. In Texas, grand theft and petty theft fall under the same blanket classification of “theft” and can carry severe punishments. Therefore, it is important for the accused to have experienced theft lawyers on his or her side in the form of a Tarrant County Theft Lawyer.

According to Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, appropriation of property is unlawful under any of the following conditions:

• It is without the property owner’s consent
• The property is stolen and appropriated with the accused knowing it was stolen by another
• Property in the custody of a law enforcement agency was represented by a law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriated the property believing it was stolen by another

With the help of a Tarrant County defense lawyer, an individual accused of theft may be able to minimize potential consequences and achieve a positive resolution to their case, possibly saving them from prison time, the loss of employment and educational opportunities, and financial penalties.

Types of Theft

The term “theft” encompasses a number of different charges in Tarrant County, including but not limited to:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Shoplifting
• Theft of services
• Credit/debit card abuse, as well as theft by check
• Forgery
• Possession of stolen property, including unauthorized use of a vehicle
• Embezzlement

Theft charges can carry penalties ranging from $500 fines when the value of loss is under $100, to 99 years in prison with fines up to $10,000 if the value of loss is over $300,000. If the accused has a prior theft conviction or convictions, the charges and penalties can be enhanced.

Tarrant County theft attorneys could help someone accused of theft build a strong defense rooted in lack of sufficient evidence, lack of intent, age, mistake of fact, duress, or another relevant defense.

Civil Penalties Following Criminal Charges

The Texas Theft Liability Act allows for a victim of theft to sue for damages separate from the existing criminal charges levied against an individual accused of stealing from them.

This means that on top of demanding that a convicted thief repay them for the value of the stolen item or items, the victim can also collect up to $1,000 in damages from a defendant over the age of 18, or up to $5,000 from their parents or guardians if they are a minor. The combination of criminal and civil penalties can result in the convicted party facing significant financial penalties

Furthermore, the victim does not necessarily have to be an individual. In fact, large corporations in Texas take advantage of the Texas Theft Liability Act and sometimes request more money than the stolen item was worth at the time of the theft.

However, a Tarrant County theft lawyer could fight claims for civil penalties that often follow criminal charges on behalf of a client.

Contact a Tarrant County Theft Lawyer Today

If you are facing theft charges, it may be imperative that you have the support of a Tarrant County theft lawyer to help build a strong defense and potentially prevent the lasting consequences and severe financial penalties of a theft conviction. Call today to see what could be done in your case.