Theft/Shoplifting
A person commits theft if he/she unlawfully appropriates
property with the intent to deprive the owner of that
property. When a person commits theft, he/she may be
charged with misdemeanor or felony theft. The type of
charge will depend upon the value (dollar amount) of the
property that was stolen and if a weapon was used during
the commission of the crime.
Misdemeanor theft is when a person illegally takes
another person's property without the person's consent
and the value of the property is less than $1,500.00.
The most commonly committed misdemeanor theft crime is
shoplifting. Felony theft is when a person illegally
takes another person's property without the person's
consent and the value of the property is more than
$1,500.00.
Types of Theft Crimes
The following is a list of commonly committed theft
crimes in Texas:
-
shoplifting
-
theft by check
-
burglary
-
theft of firearm
-
identity theft
-
credit card theft
-
fraud
-
embezzlement
-
forgery
-
motor vehicle theft
-
robbery
Any person who is convicted of a theft crime may be
sentenced with jail or prison time, fines, probation,
community service, and restitution. Additionally, the
person's theft crime conviction will show up on his/her
criminal record, which is accessible to the public. When
a person has a theft crime conviction on his/her
criminal record, it can be very difficult for him/her to
obtain employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Effects of a Theft Conviction
A conviction for theft can have a significant impact on
your life. It will be on your criminal record as a theft
arrest and conviction and may cause you to loose
professional, educational, and even housing
opportunities. If you currently have a professional
license that license may also be in jeopardy if the
licensing agency becomes aware of the theft.
Furthermore, a theft conviction is considered a crime of
moral turpitude. That means that if you are convicted of
theft you cannot sit as a juror, a fundamental right of
American citizens.
Gilbert G. Garcia, has practiced Criminal Law since 1978
and has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1989.
The Gilbert G. Garcia Law Firm is the logical choice to
represent you in your criminal case, providing the
quality legal services you deserve in your most
important matters.
Free initial consultations and reasonable fees.
Personal payments plans available and most major credit
cards accepted. Many issues are able to be handled
via e-mail, phone calls and fax and after hours and
weekend appointments are available upon request to meet
the needs of each client.
Conveniently located on the Montgomery County Courthouse
square since 1983.
