Grand Theft Attorney in San Antonio
Facing grand theft charges in Texas?
Theft in Texas is defined as an individual unlawfully taking property with the intent of depriving the owner of the property permanently. In order for the taking of property to be unlawful, Texas Penal Code §31.03 specifies that one of the following must be the case:
- The property was taken without consent from the owner
- The property was stolen and a person took the property knowing that it was stolen
- The property was in the custody of law enforcement and the agent made it known that the property was stolen and an individual took the property believing that it was stolen property
Theft crimes can lead to a conviction that remains on your criminal record permanently. Oftentimes these offenses are considered to be more damaging because it is seen as a crime of trust and can taint your reputation. Theft crimes can often disqualify an individual from many industries that require a certain level of trust and responsibility of the employees. It is crucial to fight against your charges to avoid both the criminal penalties and the other consequences you may face in society. The Law Office of John J. Fox can help in building a defense, so seek help right away if you are facing any type of theft charge.
Breakdown of Grand Theft Charges
The specification of grand theft versus petty theft has to do with the value of the property involved. In order to be deemed a grand theft offense, the value of the property needs to be in excess of $500. All grand theft cases are not the same. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the unique offense. The exact charge that you can be facing depends on the value of the property. The offense is not considered grand theft if the value is under $500. The guidelines for grand theft charges is as follows:
Property Valued Between $500 and $1,500:
- Class A Misdemeanor Grand Theft Charge
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000
Property Valued Between $1,500 and $100,000:
- Third Degree Felony Grand Theft Charge
- Punishable by up to 10 years in prison up to $10,000 in fines
Property Valued Between $100,000 and $200,000:
- Second Degree Felony Grand Theft Charge
- Punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Property Valued Above $200,000:
- First Degree Felony Grand Theft Charge
- Punishable by between five and 99 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Aside from the he value of the property, there are other elements that can play a role in your charges. Some aggravating factors in a theft case involves who the victim is, who the offender is, the relationship between the victim and the offender and more. For example, if the victim of the theft crime was an elderly person or a non-profit organization, your theft offense can increase to a higher charge. Another example of an aggravated case would be if the offender was a public servant and they used their position to commit their offense. Also, if the offender is in any type of contractual relationship with the government and they use that relationship to commit the offense, the charges can increase.
Seek Help From The Law Office of John J. Fox
Need a lawyer for your theft crime case in San Antonio? Grand theft is a serious charge and you need an experienced attorney to represent you. Team up with a San Antonio theft lawyer from The Law Office of John J. Fox. We offer a free case evaluation so contact us right away to get started!