Theft (also referred to as larceny) crimes account for a significant number of alleged criminal offenses in Texas. The classifications of these alleged crimes can range from minor misdemeanors to felony offenses, depending on the value of the property that was allegedly taken.
Alleged offenders in these cases can face criminal charges as the result of honest misunderstandings, such as people thinking they either had permission or legal ownership claims relating to the property involved. Convictions can have extremely long-lasting consequences that may lead to significant hardships concerning employment or housing.
Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney, TX
Were you arrested or do you believe that you might be under investigation in Collin County for an alleged theft crime? You should exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will protect your rights and work to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case.
Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Plano who represent individuals all over Collin County, including Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and many other nearby communities. They can provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (469) 304-3422 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.
Common Theft Offenses in Texas
Texas Penal Code § 31.03 establishes that a person commits a theft offense if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Appropriation of property is considered unlawful if:
- it is without the owner’s effective consent;
- the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
- property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
Some of the most common types of alleged theft crimes that Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy handles include, but are not limited to:
- Auto Theft
- Theft / Larceny
- Theft by Check
- Theft of Services
Civil Liability for Theft Offenses in Collin County
Title 6, Chapter 134 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code is better known as the Texas Theft Liability Act (TTLA). Under the TTLA, an alleged offender can be civilly liable for damages resulting from an alleged theft offense.
People who commit theft offenses are not only liable for the damages resulting from the thefts under the TTLA, but a parent or other person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child can also be liable for any theft committed by the child. Victims who have sustained damages as the result of theft are allowed to recover (in addition to court costs and reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees):
- The number of actual damages and additional damages of up to $1,000 from an alleged offender who commits theft; or
- The number of actual damages and additional damages of up to $5,000 from a person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child.
It is important to understand that if the alleged victims (or plaintiffs) in TTLA claims are unsuccessful, they can be ordered to pay the attorney’s fees of the alleged offender (or defendant).
Texas Theft Offense Resources
Crime Stoppers | Plano, TX — On this section of the City of Plano website, you can find a link to the North Texas Crime Stoppers. People can submit anonymous crime tips to Crime Stoppers by phone, online, or through text messaging. Learn more about who is and is not eligible for cash rewards.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) | Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority — The Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority was originally established by the 72nd Texas Legislature in 1991, but the agency’s mission was amended by the 80th Legislature, resulting in the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority becoming part of the newly established TxDMV in 2009. Learn more about the educational programs, board of directors, and formal opinion of the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority on this website. You can also access agency publications, reports, and other data.
Find a Collin County Theft Crimes Defense Attorney | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
If you think that you could be under investigation or you were already arrested for an alleged theft crime anywhere in Collin County, it will be critical for you to retain legal representation as soon as possible. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton aggressively defend clients in Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and many surrounding areas of Collin County. Call (469) 304-3422 or submit an online contact form to have our attorneys review your case and help you understand your legal options during a free initial consultation.
Theft charges, regardless of the amount, if convicted, could have long term damage to your ability to do business, rent property, or obtain certain licenses for work. Any charge that is considered a crime of moral turpitude can potentially affect you negatively for up to ten years.
Yes, the victims of a theft case can seek recovery of losses by means of a civil lawsuit in court regardless of if you are being criminally prosecuted. However, they cannot threaten criminal prosecution to litigate a civil dispute.
No, any case resulting in a final conviction cannot be expunged.
Depends, the law allows for the government to charge other individuals as coconspirators to the crime if they in some degree participated with the planning, act or after the fact activities of the crime. If you helped your friend in any way or failed to walk away after discovering the act you may be putting yourself in danger of being charged with the same crime your friend is.
No, regardless of if you pay back the person or party stolen from, this does not prohibit the government from bring charges against you. If you have not been charged yet, it is very important that you seek legal counsel to speak on your behalf with the other side. What you say can be used against you.