Theft Crimes

Houston Theft Crimes Defense Law

Houston Theft Crime Defense Lawyer James Sullivan represents clients on misdemeanor and felony theft offenses in Houston and the surrounding counties.  Theft of any amount is a very serious crime.  It is a crime of moral turpitude (dishonesty) and a conviction for theft can negatively affect you for the rest of your life.  You really cannot afford a conviction for theft on your record.

Each year, hundreds of people contact Attorney James Sullivan in order to get their theft convictions expunged from their record because they cannot get a job, but unfortunately a theft conviction cannot be expunged or sealed (non-disclosed).  Young people especially may not know about or consider the far-reaching effects of having a theft conviction on their record.  Attorney James Sullivan can discuss with you the possible options in order to later get your criminal case sealed or expunged.

If you are charged with a theft offense, contact Houston Criminal Lawyer James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428 for a confidential consultation.A person commits theft if he unlawfully takes another person’s property without their consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property [Texas Penal Code Sec. 31.03].  Obviously, if he did not intend to take the other person’s property, then it is not theft.  For example, in an alleged shoplifting case, if you place a case of beer on the rack under your shopping cart, forget about it and then walk out of the grocery store without paying for it, you should not be held responsible.  Or, if your child puts an item in your shopping bag without your knowledge and you leave the store without paying for it, you should not be convicted of theft.

If you have been charged with shoplifting or any other theft related crime, you need a Houston theft crime attorney to represent you.  You may face serious consequences if you have been arrested for theft in Houston or the surrounding area.  Your penalties will vary depending on the value of what you allegedly stole and other factors.  Theft crimes include shoplifting, hot checks, fraud, embezzlement and identity theft.  Theft crime can range from class C misdemeanor to 1st degree felony.  Burglary of a motor vehicle is a class A misdemeanor.  Auto theft is usually charged as a felony offense unless the value of the motor vehicle stolen is less than $2,500.  Other felony theft related crimes include credit card abuse (state jail felony), burglary of a building (state jail felony) and burglary of a habitation (2nd degree felony).

Punishment for Houston Theft Crimes

In Texas, the punishment for theft is listed in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code.  Depending on the value of the theft, a conviction can result in a range of punishment as follows:

  1. If the value of the property stolen is less than $100, a class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $500.
  2. If the value of the property stolen is $100 or more but less than $750, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, a  jail sentence of up to 180 days, or both.
  3. If the value of the property stolen is $750 or more but less than $2,500, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000, a  jail sentence of up to one year, or both.
  4. If the value of the property stolen is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a state jail felony, which is punishable by a state jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.
  5. If the value of the property stolen is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
  6. If the value of the property stolen is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a felony of the second degree, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
  7. If the value of the property stolen is $300,000 or more, a person charged with theft can be convicted of a felony of the first degree, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life and a fine up to $10,000.

James G. Sullivan and Associates | Harris County Theft Crime Lawyers

Houston theft crime lawyer James Sullivan will discuss with you the seriousness of your charge and the various effective defense strategies that are best suited for your particular case.  Before you make your plea in court, it is important that you consult a theft crimes defense lawyer in Houston, Texas.  Houston Criminal Attorney James Sullivan gets proven results.

James Sullivan attended the Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.

Contact Houston theft crime trial lawyers James Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

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