Houston Theft Crime Lawyers

Theft is not only is it illegal, but it is also regarded as immoral. Because of this, on top of criminal penalties, those convicted of theft crimes will face a lifetime of distrust due to their criminal record. For example, employers will be far less likely to hire prospective employees who’ve been found guilty of theft. For this reason, anyone accused of a theft crime of any kind should strongly consider retaining the services of seasoned Houston theft crime lawyers who can defend them against these charges at every turn. Contact the Sparks Law Firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Theft Crime Lawyers | Here to Defend Your Future & Reputation

Theft crimes can warrant extensive penalties, including jail time, high fines, probation, and more. Why risk facing these penalties alone, when you could have a team of highly-skilled Harris County criminal defense lawyers in your corner? Our legal team has decades of experience representing those accused of theft here in Texas, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you in your case.

Theft Crimes We Handle

Here at the Sparks Law Firm, we handle the gamut of theft charges on behalf of our clients, including the following:

• Money Laundering: Money laundering is the act of illegally concealing the origin of money or assets obtained through illicit practices, such as the sale of illegal drugs.
• Burglary: Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit theft, assault, or a felony. This is typically charged as a state jail felony, with penalties including 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. If the burglary is committed in a habitation, it escalates to a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. If the burglary leads to the commission of or intent to commit certain other felonies, it can be a first-degree felony, with 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a potential fine.
• Robbery: If you’re accused of robbery, whether armed or not, you need a competent attorney in your corner who can protect your future at all costs.
• Shoplifting: Though many people think of shoplifting as a “petty” offense, the truth is, those found guilty of shoplifting can spend years behind bars, face crippling fines, and more. For items worth less than $100, it’s a Class C misdemeanor, potentially resulting in a fine of up to $500. When the value is between $100 and $750, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. For property valued between $750 and $2,500, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If the value exceeds $2,500, shoplifting can be charged as a felony, leading to higher fines and longer jail time.
• White-Collar Crime: White-collar crimes, such as Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, extortion, and more, can be prosecuted just as harshly as any theft crime, depending on the amount stolen and the nature of the crime. Our firm can help protect you from these charges.
• Fraud (State & Federal): Acts of fraud, such as credit card fraud, forgery, or even commercial bribery can entail a wide range of severe penalties. The Sparks Law Firm has extensive experience fighting charges involving all types of fraud here in the state of Texas.

Robbery in Texas

Robbery in Texas is a serious offense that carries significant legal consequences. Defined as committing theft with the intention or action of causing bodily harm or instilling fear of injury or death in another, it is classified as a second-degree felony. This classification underscores the severity of the crime, emphasizing the legal system’s focus on protecting individuals from harm and fear. The penalties for robbery in Texas are substantial, ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison, along with the possibility of a fine of up to $10,000. Importantly, a standard robbery charge does not involve the use of a weapon, differentiating it from its more severe counterpart, aggravated robbery.

Aggravated robbery, on the other hand, escalates the severity of the crime by including all the elements of robbery but with additional, more grave factors. This enhanced offense occurs when the robbery involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, results in serious bodily injury, or is committed against particularly vulnerable individuals such as those who are disabled or aged 65 years or older. Recognized as a first-degree felony in Texas, the legal repercussions of aggravated robbery are even more stringent. The range of punishment reflects the heightened seriousness of the crime, with potential sentences varying from 5 years to life imprisonment, and includes the same fine of up to $10,000 as in standard robbery cases. The distinction of aggravated robbery lies in the involvement of a deadly weapon and the increased potential for harm, marking it as a notably more serious criminal act in the eyes of Texas law.

Defenses Against Theft Charges

Of course, the defense we use will depend almost entirely on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. That said, some potential defenses against theft crime charges are as follows:

• Mistake of fact
• Mistaken identity
• A valid alibi
• Proof that a person only committed a crime under duress
• Proof that a person didn’t realize they were stealing
• Proof that a person thought they had permission to use/take property
• Proof that a person’s constitutional rights have been violated in some way

In any case, our legal team will work to have the ramifications of your charges significantly mitigated, or, in the best cases, dropped entirely.

Contact Our Texas Theft Crime Lawyers Today

The bottom line is that if you are currently accused of theft of any kind, the time to act is now. Our firm stands ready to help. Contact the Sparks Law Firm today so we can get started crafting a strong defense on your behalf.