Theft
Under Texas law, intent to deprive the owner of property. Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
- It is without the owner’s effective consent;
- The property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
* See the chart below for an overview of theft offenses and their punishment classifications.
Offense Classification Chart
If the value of the property stolen is less than: $50; or $20 and the defendant obtained the property by passing an insufficient check
- Class B Misdemeanor:
If the value of the property stolen is: - $50 or more but less than $500;
- $20 or more but less than $500 and the defendant obtained the property by passing an insufficient check; the value of the property stolen is less than:
- $50 and the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of Theft; or
- $20, the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of Theft, and the defendant obtained the property by passing an insufficient check identification certificate issued by this state or another state
Class A Misdemeanor:
If the value of the property stolen is $500 or more but less than $1,500
State Jail Felony:
the value of the property stolen is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, or the property is less than 10 head of sheep, swine, or goats or any part there of under the value of $20,000; regardless of value, the property is stolen from the person of another or from a human corpse or grave, including property that is a military grave marker;
the property stolen is a firearm the value of the property stolen is less than $1,500 and the defendant has been previously convicted two or more times of any grade of theft;
the property stolen is an official ballot or official envelope for an election; or the value of the property stolen is less than $20,000 and the property stolen is insulated or noninsulated tubing, rods, water gate stems, wire, or cable that consists of at least 50 percent: aluminum, bronze or copper.
3rd Degree Felony:
The value of the property stolen is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, or the property is: cattle, horses, or exotic livestock or exotic fowl stolen during a single transaction and having an aggregate value of less than $100,000;
10 or more head of sheep, swine, or goats stolen during a single transaction and having an aggregate value of less than $100,000
2nd Degree Felony:
The value of the property stolen is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000
1st Degree Felony:
If the value of the property stolen is $200,000 or more
Enhancements / Aggravated:
In addition, there are several factors and circumstances which may lead to an offense being enhanced
NOTE: The information contained in this page provides only a basic overview of Texas law. This is not a comprehensive explanation of the law, but rather a simple summary meant to provide the reader with basic knowledge. This information is NOT legal advice of any kind, and should not be relied upon as such. Some information may not reflect current law, and thus we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information displayed herein. Always consult an attorney regarding your particular matter.
What Does This Mean
Any charge dealing with Theft is extremely serious. In order to protect your good name, keep your record clean, and be eligible to get into a good school or find a good job, it is imperative that you take these charges very seriously. Even the smallest of Theft charges can have an enormous impact on a person’s life, both personally and professionally.
Call Us Today
If you are currently facing Theft charges of any kind, it important that you contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Ross Law Offices, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and go over every option you may have. Don’t hesitate. Call us today.