Theft is a serious offense in Houston that can have equally serious repercussions. If charged with theft, you may face a jail sentence, substantial fine, and permanent record of a theft conviction. This serious impact of a theft conviction makes your defense to theft charges highly important and the advice of a Houston Theft Lawyer extremely valuable.

As one of Houston’s leading private, criminal defense firms, Greco Neyland, has the local experience and state-wide knowledge to provide the high-quality defense you deserve.

A skyline view of Houston Texas in Harris County

Learn more about the practice of our Houston lawyers >>>

Theft Law Firm in Houston, TX

In Houston, you can be arrested and charged with a theft offense under Texas laws. The statute that criminalizes theft, or larceny as it is called in other states, covers a broad range of illegal actions, including unlawfully taking the property of another person or knowingly possessing the property you know as stolen.

The Texas Penal Code, which is the set of statutes that provide the criminal laws for the entire state, defines theft as:

  1. Unlawfully appropriating;
  2. The property of another person;
  3. With the intent to deprive the rightful owner of such property.

Essential to this definition and any case a Houston prosecutor might bring is what it means to unlawfully appropriate property. As a Houston criminal lawyer can tell you, not all actions of taking or using someone else’s property are unlawful or appropriation. What does qualify?

  • The property is taken without the rightful owner’s consent;
  • The defendant appropriates property that he or she knows was previously stolen; or
  • The defendant is told by law enforcement that property is stolen and the defendant takes it believing it to be stolen property.

Similarly, the intent of the defendant at the time the property is taken is crucial. There must be evidence that the defendant did or planned to keep the property for an extended period of time or use most of its value. If a Houston theft lawyer at Greco Neyland can disprove intent, you won’t be convicted of theft.

A picture of a man charged with crime in Houston

What Is the Punishment for a Theft Conviction in Houston?

While Texas has a consolidated theft statute that is applied in Houston, Harris County, and elsewhere, there are different degrees and severity of offenses in the state. The exact charges against you and the degree of gravity are determined by the fair market value of the property stolen. Other factors that may lead to heightened theft charges are:

  • The identity of the victim or rightful property owner;
  • The type of property stolen, for example, theft of firearms is held to a higher standard; and
  • The means or method used to steal the property.

Once these factors are taken into consideration by a Houston court, a sentence is determined. If you are charged with theft, the exact offense could range from a class C misdemeanor to the most serious crime in the state, a felony in the first degree.

  • Class C misdemeanor: theft of property valued at $50 or less, which is punishable by a maximum fine of $500
  • Class B misdemeanor: theft of property valued between $50 and $500, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000
  • Class A misdemeanor: theft of property valued between $500 and $1,500, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $4,000
  • State jail felony: theft of property valued between $1,500 and $20,000, which is punishable by up to two years in county jail and a fine of $10,000
  • Felony in the third degree: theft of property between $20,000 and $100,000, which is punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000
  • Felony in the second degree: theft of property between $100,000 and $200,000, which is punishable by 20 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
  • Felony in the first degree: theft of property over $200,000, which is punishable by 99 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

All of these charges can require the advice and representation of an experienced shoplifting, grand larceny, or theft lawyer in Houston.

A photo of a man's hand in a computer researching a lawyer in Houston

Find the Best Houston Theft Lawyers

Our team at Greco Neyland has extensive experience with theft charges in Houston and providing the best possible defense to criminal charges. We know your case is unique and take the time to assess what strategy and arguments would give you the best chance at overcoming accusations of shoplifting, stealing, or grand larceny.

Talk to the top theft defense lawyers in Houston >>

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Theft is a serious offense in Houston that can have equally serious repercussions. If charged with theft, you may face a jail sentence, substantial fine, and permanent record of a theft conviction. This serious impact of a theft conviction makes your defense to theft charges highly important and the advice of a Houston Theft Lawyer extremely valuable.

As one of Houston’s leading private, criminal defense firms, Greco Neyland, has the local experience and state-wide knowledge to provide the high-quality defense you deserve.

A skyline view of Houston Texas in Harris County

Learn more about the practice of our Houston lawyers >>>

Theft Law Firm in Houston, TX

In Houston, you can be arrested and charged with a theft offense under Texas laws. The statute that criminalizes theft, or larceny as it is called in other states, covers a broad range of illegal actions, including unlawfully taking the property of another person or knowingly possessing the property you know as stolen.

The Texas Penal Code, which is the set of statutes that provide the criminal laws for the entire state, defines theft as:

  1. Unlawfully appropriating;
  2. The property of another person;
  3. With the intent to deprive the rightful owner of such property.

Essential to this definition and any case a Houston prosecutor might bring is what it means to unlawfully appropriate property. As a Houston criminal lawyer can tell you, not all actions of taking or using someone else’s property are unlawful or appropriation. What does qualify?

  • The property is taken without the rightful owner’s consent;
  • The defendant appropriates property that he or she knows was previously stolen; or
  • The defendant is told by law enforcement that property is stolen and the defendant takes it believing it to be stolen property.

Similarly, the intent of the defendant at the time the property is taken is crucial. There must be evidence that the defendant did or planned to keep the property for an extended period of time or use most of its value. If a Houston theft lawyer at Greco Neyland can disprove intent, you won’t be convicted of theft.

A picture of a man charged with crime in Houston

What Is the Punishment for a Theft Conviction in Houston?

While Texas has a consolidated theft statute that is applied in Houston, Harris County, and elsewhere, there are different degrees and severity of offenses in the state. The exact charges against you and the degree of gravity are determined by the fair market value of the property stolen. Other factors that may lead to heightened theft charges are:

  • The identity of the victim or rightful property owner;
  • The type of property stolen, for example, theft of firearms is held to a higher standard; and
  • The means or method used to steal the property.

Once these factors are taken into consideration by a Houston court, a sentence is determined. If you are charged with theft, the exact offense could range from a class C misdemeanor to the most serious crime in the state, a felony in the first degree.

  • Class C misdemeanor: theft of property valued at $50 or less, which is punishable by a maximum fine of $500
  • Class B misdemeanor: theft of property valued between $50 and $500, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000
  • Class A misdemeanor: theft of property valued between $500 and $1,500, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $4,000
  • State jail felony: theft of property valued between $1,500 and $20,000, which is punishable by up to two years in county jail and a fine of $10,000
  • Felony in the third degree: theft of property between $20,000 and $100,000, which is punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000
  • Felony in the second degree: theft of property between $100,000 and $200,000, which is punishable by 20 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
  • Felony in the first degree: theft of property over $200,000, which is punishable by 99 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

All of these charges can require the advice and representation of an experienced shoplifting, grand larceny, or theft lawyer in Houston.

A photo of a man's hand in a computer researching a lawyer in Houston

Find the Best Houston Theft Lawyers

Our team at Greco Neyland has extensive experience with theft charges in Houston and providing the best possible defense to criminal charges. We know your case is unique and take the time to assess what strategy and arguments would give you the best chance at overcoming accusations of shoplifting, stealing, or grand larceny.

Talk to the top theft defense lawyers in Houston >>

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Kenny McKee
Kenny McKee
17:11 11 Dec 18
They did a great job getting rid of my parking and speeding tickets. I recommended them to my friends and family. And they've also experienced the same professionalism and great quality service at an affordable price.
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Brian Gomez
16:50 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff create the best team. They know the law, and made me feel like I was involved and understood everything that was going on. Dustan took the time to explain to me and my family what we could expect, and then led the way.
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Heidi Etter
15:33 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff helped handle my divorce proceedings. He was incredibly knowledgeable and on top of everything I needed to do. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner. I’m very thankful for his expertise in helping me to manage a difficult situation.
Jordan Bradshaw
Jordan Bradshaw
15:31 11 Dec 18
The staff at Greco Neyland helped a friend of mine on a case. Everyone was so nice and friendly! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs someone knowledgeable who also really cares about their clients.
Justin Washington
Justin Washington
23:12 06 Nov 18
Dunstan and the staff at Greco Neyland are truly professional and very helpful and understanding through the process. I was facing a felony case and Dunstan got it no billed . I definitely recommend this firm if you want a lawyer that’s going to defend and fight for you.
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