Tarrant County Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer

Tarrant County, TX Criminal Defense Attorney for Theft Offenses from Shoplifting to Felonies

Accusations of theft are very common. In fact, theft offenses are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Texas. Depending on the value of the property alleged to have been taken and whether you have any priors, the seriousness of the offense can vary wildly. Theft can be charged as anything from a petty Class C misdemeanor that carries no jail time, all the way up to a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison.

The Dameron Law Firm is skilled at defending those accused of theft at all levels. Our experience has shown us that people's motivations for stealing can be complicated. Theft is often a crime of desperation or of opportunity. These cases are rarely as simple as they initially seem. Accusations are sometimes mistaken and based on a misunderstanding or a simple accident. Each defense to theft we craft is unique and based on the specific circumstances surrounding your case.

Attorney Representing Those Accused of Retail Theft in Texas

Retail theft, or shoplifting, is perhaps the most common form of theft. Unlike many other states, Texas does not distinguish between retail theft and other forms of theft - they are all prosecuted under the same statutes. However, the way these cases play out can look slightly different. With the rise of contactless self-checkouts, shoplifting accusations have increased.

What we often see is that these charges stem from genuine accidents. It can be very easy to miss scanning something inadvertently. People sometimes forget an item buried under other bags, or they simply may not notice that an item did not ring up. Whatever happened, The Dameron Law Firm will put forth the best possible defense on your behalf.

Misdemeanor Theft Defense Lawyer in Tarrant County

The most minor cases of theft, where less than $100 was taken, are Class C misdemeanors that carry just a fine. If the value exceeds $100, but is not more than $750, this is generally prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor, which does carry jail time of up to 180 days. Theft between $750 and $2,500 is a bit more serious. It is a Class A misdemeanor, and you could face up to a year in jail. You could also be fined an amount far in excess of the value of what you allegedly stole in the first place.

Even after the legal consequences have passed, you will be left with a theft record. A subsequent offense could be charged as a felony. Our firm takes defending misdemeanor theft cases very seriously.

Law Firm for Felony Theft Charges in Tarrant County

Quite often, people underestimate the value of the property involved in a theft and are shocked to learn that they have landed in felony territory. A state jail felony, carrying up to a two-year sentence, is charged when the property stolen is worth over $2,500, but less than $30,000. From there, the severity of the charge and the amount of prison time involved only go up.

At this level, theft is often related to some type of organized criminal scheme or involves a high-value item, such as a car. The legal and social consequences, such as difficulty finding housing and employment, can affect the rest of your life. The Dameron Law Firm will focus intensely on your defense if you are being charged with felony theft.

Call a Tarrant County Theft Charges Defense Attorney

If you are facing theft charges of any type, at any level, The Dameron Law Firm will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to identify and build your strongest possible defense. Contact us online or call our law office at 817-222-0624 to get started with a free consultation.