Ft. Bend Misdemeanor Theft Attorney

Misdemeanor Theft

There are three levels of misdemeanor theft in Texas.  They are determined by the total value of the item or items stolen.  The penalties range from a fine of not more than $500.00 all the way up to a year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000.00.  It is a mistake to think that it's not serious because it's "only a misdemeanor."  It becomes part of a person's permanent criminal record and can seriously affect them when applying for a job, a business license or scholarship.  Anyone who has been accused or arrested for shoplifting or another misdemeanor theft should speak to a Ft. Bend criminal defense lawyer at Greco & Associates, PC as soon as possible. 

Theft is defined as the taking of another's property without their consent.  This can be done by threat or force or done deceptively.  It includes things like shoplifting, writing a bad check, changing price tags or stealing food from a grocery store.  As long as it can be shown that the accused acted with criminal intent and actually had possession of the item they can be charged with theft.   If the theft charge is for shoplifting, they may also be liable for civil charges and additional fines brought by the store's owner.  When charged with any crime, a person should always have the representation of an experienced lawyer.

Misdemeanor Theft Attorney in Fort Bend

When an individual accuesd of misdemeanor theft gets their initial consultation, the attorney can explain their legal rights and what the penalties could be and how the defense will proceed.  As the prosecution must clearly show both intent and possession, an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer from Greco & Associates, PC, can fight to either reduce the charges or possibly get the case dismissed, based on the evidence in the case.  The three classes of misdemeanor theft are:

• Class A - Value more than $500 but less than $1,500 - up to 1 year in jail up to $4,000.00 fine.
• Class B - Value more than $50 but less than $500 - up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000.00 fine.
• Class C - Value less than $50- fine of up to $500 - not punishable by jail time - fine only.

Contact a Ft. Bend Misdemeanor Theft Lawyer immediately if you have been arrested on misdemeanor theft charges.  The legal team will aggressively defend the case in court.