Odessa Theft & Burglary Lawyer

Aggressive Representation for Clients Throughout West Texas

Under Texas law, theft consists of unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. This means stealing property or services without the owner’s consent with no intention of returning them. Texas also has other forms of theft, including theft by check, theft of trade secrets, and organized retail theft. Burglary is another form of theft that involves entering a home or building intending to steal or to commit an assault or a felony. Burglary carries its own penalties, separate from those of general theft. 

Being accused of any type of theft is a serious matter, not only because of the penalties you face but because a conviction will give you a permanent criminal record that demonstrates dishonesty and untrustworthiness. Such a record can become a barrier when seeking future employment, housing, professional licenses, or advanced education. Because of these consequences, you need a competent defense lawyer who will work aggressively to help you avoid or minimize them. At Chriesman Law, PLLC, you can turn to a former prosecutor with extensive experience in Texas and federal criminal law. 

Accused of theft? Contact Chriesman Law, PLLC via email or by phone at (432) 302-5590 to arrange for a free one-on-one case evaluation with Odessa theft and burglary attorney Shane Chriesman. 

Theft Crimes in Texas

Like many other states, Texas classifies theft crimes by the value of the goods or services stolen. These crimes can be charged as misdemeanors, state jail felonies, or more serious felonies based on the value of the items stolen or on the type of item taken, such as a firearm, election ballot, or ATM and its contents. 

In general, theft is broken down as follows:

• Theft of less than $100: Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
• Theft of $100 up to $749: Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail.
• Theft of $750 up to $2,499: Class A misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to a year in jail. 
• Theft of $2,500 up to $29,999: State jail felony carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and/or jail time of 180 days up to two years.
• Theft of $30,000 up to $149,999: Third-degree felony carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and/or prison time of two to 10 years.
• Theft of $150,00 up to $299,999: Second-degree felony carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and/or prison time of two to 20 years.
• Theft of $300,000 or more: First-degree felony carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and/or prison time of five to 99 years. 

Burglary in Texas

Burglary is defined in Texas law as entering a home or building with the intent to or actually carrying out the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. It is generally charged as a state jail felony when taking place in a building other than a “habitation.” It is charged as a second-degree felony when committed in someone’s home. It may be charged as a first-degree felony if it is committed in someone’s home with the intent to commit some other felony than theft. 

The penalties for these offenses are the same as those listed above for general theft.