Brownsville Theft & Auto Theft Lawyer

Understanding Theft and Auto Theft Laws in Texas

If you’re facing charges for theft or auto theft in Texas, you aren’t alone; these are among the most prosecuted crimes in the state. Understanding how Texas law defines both theft crimes and the potential penalties you may face and the possible defenses to these charges is key to protecting your legal rights and achieving the best possible outcome. While many states address theft-related offenses using multiple statutes (for example, classifying grand theft auto and credit card theft separately), Texas has just one statute that applies to all theft-related crimes, including auto theft. 

Texas Penal Code Title 7, Chapter 31 contains all the state's definitions, classifications, and potential punishments for theft offenses. Simply put, theft involves taking another person’s or business’s property to deprive the owner of their property. This includes auto theft, where the property taken is a motor vehicle, with its own specific legal implications and potential penalties.

What Constitutes a Theft Crime in Texas?

Understanding theft crimes in Texas is vital, ranging from minor offenses to serious auto theft charges, each with unique legal implications. Theft is defined as the unauthorized taking of property with the intent to deprive the owner permanently. Importantly, there is no minimum value for property theft. Although all theft crimes fall under a single statute, there are seven distinct degrees of theft charges based on property value, which influence potential penalties and legal strategies. Navigating theft charges in Texas can be difficult without a solid understanding of the law, which varies with the crime's nuances.

Theft crimes in Texas are classified as follows: 

• Petty Theft or Class C Misdemeanor Theft: Involves unauthorized taking of property with minimal value yet still carries legal consequences. 
• State Jail Felony Theft: Applies to property valued between $2,500 to $30,000 or specific items like firearms and gravesites, with potential penalties including up to two years in state jail.
• Third-Degree Felony Theft: Involves property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, with unique cases such as livestock and pharmaceuticals, attracting penalties of two to ten years imprisonment.
• Second-Degree Felony Theft: Concerns property valued between $150,000 and $300,000, automatically including ATM thefts, leading to potential penalties of two to 20 years in prison.
• First-Degree Felony Theft: The most severe theft charge concerning property valued over $300,000, with legal consequences including five to 99 years imprisonment.

Understanding the various classifications of theft crime in Texas is vital for anyone facing these charges to mount a robust defense. Legal representation is crucial in navigating these complex statutes, ensuring the protection of rights and exploring all possible strategies to mitigate negative outcomes.

Contact The Law Office of Mauricio Garcia at (956) 395-3314 to schedule a consultation.