Theft charges in Texas are more common than most people think. From accidentally walking out of a store with unpaid items to being accused of shoplifting, the consequences of a theft charge can be severe. These charges can range from minor offenses to serious felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the theft.

In Texas, theft cases are taken seriously, and even a seemingly small theft charge can have long-lasting consequences on your future. The good news is that understanding the legal implications of theft charges and working with a qualified criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Whether you’re facing a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony charge, it’s essential to fully comprehend how Texas law works when it comes to theft.

How Serious Is a Theft Charge in Texas?

In Texas, the severity of a theft charge depends primarily on the value of the stolen property. The law categorizes theft based on this value, with different penalties assigned to different levels of theft. Understanding this “theft value ladder” is critical to determining how serious the charge could be.

• Class C Misdemeanor: If the value of the stolen property is under $100, it is generally classified as a Class C misdemeanor. This is the least severe charge and is treated similarly to a traffic violation. The penalty typically involves a fine, and you will not face jail time for a Class C misdemeanor.
  
  
• Class B or A Misdemeanor: When the value of the stolen property is between $100 and $2,500, the charge could be elevated to a Class B or Class A misdemeanor. These are more serious offenses, and depending on the value, the penalties can include jail time and higher fines.
  
  
• Felony Theft: When the value of the stolen property exceeds $2,500, the charge becomes a felony. Felony theft is much more serious and can result in significant jail or prison time, especially if the value of the stolen item is extremely high, such as a bulldozer, or if there are aggravating factors involved.
  
  

For example, taking a bulldozer is a theft charge that would likely be classified as a felony due to its high value. On the other hand, a small item like a hairbrush would be treated as a much less severe misdemeanor. However, even relatively small theft charges can have long-term consequences, as you’ll see below.

How Theft Can Impact Your Future

A theft conviction, even one that seems minor, can follow you for years. One of the most important things to understand about theft charges in Texas is that they are classified as crimes of moral turpitude. Crimes of moral turpitude are those that reflect poorly on your character, and they can have a significant impact on your life moving forward.

A theft conviction can make it difficult to find employment, as many employers view theft as an indication of poor character and an unwillingness to adhere to moral or ethical standards. In fact, many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with theft convictions on their records because they worry that the individual may steal from the company or its clients.

Even if the theft occurred when you were very young, it can still affect your future. We’ve seen situations where a seemingly minor theft charge that was mishandled years ago has prevented someone from passing a background check or securing a good job. This is particularly true in cases where the individual applies for positions that require background checks, such as those in law enforcement, education, finance, or healthcare.

Employers often worry that hiring someone with a theft conviction could result in the company facing losses or reputational damage. And with background checks being a standard part of the hiring process, having a theft conviction on your record can seriously limit your employment options.

What Happens If You Forget to Pay for Something?

Accidentally forgetting to pay for an item is one of the most common ways that people end up facing theft charges. Let’s say you're at the store and you have a cart full of items. You check out and pay for everything you remember, but when you get to your car, you realize you forgot to pay for a few water bottles that were hidden under the cart.

What happens in this situation? In many cases, this could be seen as an honest mistake, and as long as you return the items promptly, there should be no theft charge. The key here is intent. Texas law focuses on the intent of the individual when determining whether theft has occurred. If you did not intend to steal the items but simply forgot to pay, you should be able to avoid a theft charge by returning the items and paying for them as soon as you realize the mistake.

However, if you intentionally keep the items without paying for them, that constitutes theft. The moment you decide not to return the water bottles, your intent to steal becomes clear, and the situation changes from an innocent mistake to a criminal act.

Understanding this distinction is crucial. Even if you didn't mean to steal the item, keeping it without paying can result in a theft charge. If this happens, it’s important to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to help navigate the situation.

Why Handling Your Theft Case Properly Is Crucial

Handling a theft case properly from the beginning can make all the difference in the outcome. Many people think that because the theft charge is small or because it was an accident, it won’t have much of an impact. However, this could not be further from the truth.

If you don’t address the situation correctly, you could end up with a conviction that follows you for years. This is especially true if the charge is mishandled early on, as it could result in a criminal record that will show up on background checks and could impact your job prospects, credit, and even your personal life.

Even if the theft charge is relatively minor, it’s crucial to take the case seriously. You should never assume that the issue will simply go away on its own. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help ensure that the charge is handled in the best possible way and can help minimize the consequences.

How Can a Defense Attorney Help?

A defense attorney specializing in theft cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The experienced legal team at BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys can evaluate your case, understand the circumstances surrounding the theft, and develop a strategy to mitigate the charges.

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor theft charge or a felony theft charge, having the right legal representation can ensure that your rights are protected. In some cases, it may be possible to get the charges reduced or even dismissed entirely, depending on the evidence and the specifics of your case.

At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have helped many clients in Texas navigate theft charges successfully. We understand the potential consequences and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the impact of the charge on your life.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

If you’re facing theft charges, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible. Whether the charge involves a small shoplifting case or a more serious felony theft, handling the matter appropriately can make all the difference.

Don’t risk your future by ignoring a theft charge. Contact BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll review the details of your situation, explain your legal options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your needs.

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