Theft Attorney in El Paso
In Texas, a theft occurs when someone takes another person or entity’s property with the intention to keep it permanently.
Theft crimes can range from petty theft to felony theft and other associated crimes, such as burglaries and robberies. Thefts may result in either a misdemeanor or a felony. The type of victim and whether the accused has a prior history of theft may have an impact on a case. Theft charges may severely affect your capability of getting a job regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.
If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, do not face the charges alone. Contact Joseph Law,PLLC today. (915) 800-0911.
Theft Range of Punishment
The range of punishment depends on the value of property that was stolen. The following is the “Theft Ladder” and determines what level of misdemeanor or felony you will face if you are accused of theft.
Under $100: Class C Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
$100 but less than $750: Class B Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days; or both fine and confinement.
$750 but less than $2,500: Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or both fine and confinement.
$2,500.00 but less than $30,000: State Jail Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for any term of not more than 2 years or less than 180 days.
$30,000 but less than $150,000: 3rd Degree Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years.
$150,000 but less than $300,000: 2nd Degree Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years.
$300,000 and over: 1st Degree Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years.
Theft of a firearm is a state jail felony regardless of the value.
Burglary
Burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters or remains in a public or private structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft within the structure. In Texas, burglary does not require an actual taking of property. Entering a structure without the owner’s permission and with the intent to commit a felony or theft is enough to meet the definition of a burglary. If the intent of the unlawful entry is to commit another felony other than felony theft, then the charge will be enhanced to a first degree felony. Another important distinction is whether the burglary occurred in a residential home, a building or an automobile.
Burglary of a vehicle is a Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or both fine and confinement.
Burglary of a building is a State Jail Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for any term of not more than 2 years or less than 180 days.
Burglary of habitation is a 2nd Degree Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years.
Burglary of habitation with Intent to Commit Another Felony – 1st Degree Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000; imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years.
Robbery
Robbery occurs when force or threats are used to take a person or entities property. Robbery is a second degree felony and if convicted, a person can face fine up to a $10,000 fine and imprisonment between 2-20 years. If a victim is injured during a robbery or a weapon is used, the robbery is enhanced to an aggravated robbery and the charge is a first degree felony.
Contact Joseph Law, PLLC
If you’ve been charged with a theft, robbery or burglary your best bet is to work with a criminal lawyer who can help you navigate the legal aftermath of the crime. Contact us today for a free consultation.
