Theft/Shoplifting
A person commits theft if he/she unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. When a person commits theft, he/she may be charged with misdemeanor or felony theft. The type of charge will depend upon the value (dollar amount) of the property that was stolen and if a weapon was used during the commission of the crime.
Misdemeanor theft is when a person illegally takes another person's property without the person's consent and the value of the property is less than $1,500.00. The most commonly committed misdemeanor theft crime is shoplifting. Felony theft is when a person illegally takes another person's property without the person's consent and the value of the property is more than $1,500.00.
Types of Theft Crimes
The following is a list of commonly committed theft crimes in Texas:
- shoplifting
- theft by check
- burglary
- theft of firearm
- identity theft
- credit card theft
- fraud
- embezzlement
- forgery
- motor vehicle theft
- robbery
Any person who is convicted of a theft crime may be sentenced with jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, and restitution. Additionally, the person's theft crime conviction will show up on his/her criminal record, which is accessible to the public. When a person has a theft crime conviction on his/her criminal record, it can be very difficult for him/her to obtain employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Effects of a Theft Conviction
A conviction for theft can have a significant impact on your life. It will be on your criminal record as a theft arrest and conviction and may cause you to loose professional, educational, and even housing opportunities. If you currently have a professional license that license may also be in jeopardy if the licensing agency becomes aware of the theft. Furthermore, a theft conviction is considered a crime of moral turpitude. That means that if you are convicted of theft you cannot sit as a juror, a fundamental right of American citizens.
Montgomery & Walker County Criminal Defense Attorney Douglas W. Atkinson
People who have been charged with theft in Montgomery and Walker County need to obtain the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled prior theft crimes cases. Doug Atkinson is an aggressive theft attorney who places every effort into his clients' defense. When people hire Doug Atkinson, they can be assured that they will be given thoughtful consideration, effective legal representation, and one-on-one counsel from an experienced, aggressive lawyer.
Contact us about your legal matter today!
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