Anytime you are facing criminal charges in Brazoria County, you need to do your research to better understand what these charges mean. When it comes to theft, there are many types of theft charges under Texas law, which come with different types of consequences. Some theft charges only result in mild fines, while others could result in something as life-altering as prison time.
If you are facing theft charges in Brazoria County, one of the first things you need to do is hire a criminal defense attorney. At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we are committed to defending our clients, protecting your rights, and ensuring you get a favorable outcome.
Types of Theft Charges in Texas
Most people end up facing some kind of theft crime when another person files charges for theft against them. Depending on the evidence, these charges may or may not stick.
However, if charges are filed against you, you need to hire an attorney before you even speak with law enforcement. Taking this step will ensure your rights are protected and you do not accidentally incriminate yourself.
Here is a breakdown of the kind of theft crimes and the related charges in Brazoria County, Texas.
Misdemeanor Charges
The good news is that the majority of theft charges in Texas fall in the misdemeanor category. These types of theft crimes are considered to be milder and will come with less impactful repercussions.
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500 for any stolen property valued at less than $100.
- Class B misdemeanor: A fine of up to $2000 with the possibility of up to 180 days in jail for any stolen property valued above $100 but less than $750.
- Class A misdemeanor: A fine of up to $4000 and the possibility of up to a year in jail for any stolen property valued above $750 but less than $2500.
Even though these different types of theft crimes seem relatively mild, you still need to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you. In many instances, misdemeanor crimes can be reduced so that you get fewer repercussions.
Felony Charges
A more serious type of theft charge is felony theft, which usually involves larger and more valuable pieces of property. For instance, felony charges usually fall into the category of grand theft or auto theft.
- State jail felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and 180 days to two years in state jail for stolen property valued at $2500 and up to $30,000.
- Third-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and 2 to 10 years in prison for stolen property valued at $30,000 up to $150,000.
- Second-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and 2 to 20 years in prison for stolen property valued at $150,000 up to $300,000.
- Third-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 with 5 to 99 years in prison for stolen property valued at $300,000 or more.
Long-Term Consequences of Theft Charges
Although we have already discussed the different types of theft charges and their repercussions, what are the long-term repercussions of being charged with a crime? Besides facing fines and possible jail time, there are additional long-term consequences that can have a life-altering impact.
For instance, theft charges, whether they are misdemeanor or felony charges, will reflect on your criminal history. This can negatively impact many areas of your life, such as influencing whether or not you can get a new job or buy a home.
There is also a significant social stigma around people who have been charged with a crime, especially when it comes to something like theft. People may judge you, and it can be difficult to pursue certain goals since people may see you as not being trustworthy.
Because there are so many long-term consequences of being charged with theft, it is essential that you fight these charges if at all possible. You need to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. An attorney can help you create a defense strategy to have your charges reduced or even dropped if you are being accused unfairly.
How Theft Charges Are Determined in Brazoria County
Aside from the different types of theft charges in Brazoria County, there are many different factors that can influence the outcome of these charges. Because of this, facing theft charges are not always as straightforward as you may think as each situation will be unique.
For example, whether or not you have a past criminal record will be taken into account and can influence the repercussions you may face. First-time offenders usually get a more lenient sentence, while those with a track record of theft will face more severe consequences. The type of theft will also be taken into account, such as whether or not it is theft of property or theft of services.
The location of the theft may also impact the outcome if it occurred at a school or a place of worship. Other aggravating factors may also be taken into account, such as whether or not the victims were injured during the robbery, whether or not a weapon was used, or if the theft involved vulnerable individuals.
There are also some special circumstances that can impact felony charges specifically. This applies to situations where an ATM was stolen, which would result in second-degree felony charges, no matter the dollar value of the ATM.
For the Best Criminal Defense in Texas, Contact The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC
If you are facing different types of theft charges, you do not want to handle this on your own. No matter the charges, getting the right legal representation can help you better understand your situation and the possible defense strategies you could use to get the charges reduced.
At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we have handled hundreds of criminal defense cases across the state of Texas, including Brazoria County. For compassionate and dedicated legal representation, contact us today at 823-230-0075 for a free consultation.