Theft Lawyer in Austin

Theft is a general term that for the most part refers to the act of willfully stealing someone else’s personal property, including jewelry, clothing, money, etc. A theft conviction is considered a crime of moral turpitude and can carry heavy penalties, including jail time, fines, restitution, community service and/or probation. Punishments can be especially harsh if you have a prior record or the value of the stolen goods is substantial. If you’ve been accused or charged with theft, you need to contact a reputable theft attorney immediately.

The charge of theft covers a wide range of offenses that includes everything from shoplifting to check fraud to possession of stolen property. The laws of the state of Texas dictate that the punishments for theft depend on the value of the item stolen, and punishments can range from a fine to lengthy prison time in extreme cases. Find a theft lawyer as soon as possible.

Theft is defined by the Texas Penal Code as taking someone else’s personal property without permission, either by means of deception or by physically stealing it. It’s not necessary for someone to keep stolen property in his possession for the act to be considered theft. All that matters is that the act of stealing an item deprives its owner of its value. If an item is stolen and then returned for an reward, the act is still considered theft according to Texas law.

These are some common types of theft in the state of Texas:

• Shoplifting – Intentionally taking items out of a store without paying for them is a crime.
• Bad checks – Writing a check from an account that has been closed or has insufficient funds is a crime.
• General theft – Taking an item while knowing that you do not have permission from the owner is a crime.
• Buying or accepting stolen property – Taking possession of an item knowing that the item has been stolen is a crime.

The problem with a theft conviction is the social stigma created even after you’ve served your sentence. A felony conviction will affect your ability to seek gainful employment with today’s commonplace criminal history checks. The branding as a convicted thief is something that could mar your reputation forever. Employers are hesitant to hire those who have a criminal background involving crimes of moral turpitude.

It is invaluable to have an attorney on your side who can inform you of your rights when facing a theft charge. An attorney will investigate the charges against you and fight to prove that the allegedly stolen items in question were not acquired with criminal intent.

To be able to charge you with criminal intent, law enforcement has the burden of proving that you knew that the property belonged to someone else, that you didn’t have his permission to take the item, and that you have or have had possession of the property. This proof of criminal intent can only be proven by using physical evidence such as security camera footage, statements from an eyewitness, or a confession from you. If you find yourself accused of theft by law enforcement, make sure you know your rights are protected. It is very important that an attorney is contacted as soon as the accusation occurs to avoid being charged without proper evidence.

We focus on presenting an effective defense in court by preparing and investigating all of the facts of your case. We will provide you with the best possible defense and work to get your case dismissed. Remember, your reputation is at stake, and we are here to protect it.

To have a real chance at getting your charge reduced or dismissed entirely, it’s important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the court system. You need a lawyer who knows how to construct a defense that the judge and/or jury will actually consider before handing down a verdict. To find a great theft attorney, look no further than The Law Office of David D. White, PLLC. Contact a Central Texas theft lawyer at (512) 369-3737 FREE today to schedule a consultation.

Theft is a broad term and can be an element or associated with the following crimes:

• Burglary
• Larceny
• Identity theft
• Robbery
• Grant theft
• Embezzlement
• Shoplifting
• Petty theft
• Grand theft auto
• Receipt of stolen property