What To Do When Arrested For Theft In Denton, Texas

If you have been arrested on theft charges in Denton, Texas, you need an aggressive defense team on your side. It is a prosecutor’s job to get convictions and he or she will do so at any cost. The punishment often does not fit the crime and it is important to understand that the right lawyer can help you when you find yourself staring at serious charges

WHAT IS THEFT?

In Texas, theft can occur with both property as well as services. Retail theft, like shoplifting, is fairly common, but theft charges can also come from stealing services like utilities, embezzlement, bank fraud, extortion, automobile theft and deception. Even if you were not involved in the direct act of stealing, if you find yourself in possession of stolen goods or services or were involved in the covering up of a theft crime, you can find yourself facing significant criminal charges.

PENALTIES FOR THEFT

The penalties for theft vary, usually correlating to the value of the items stolen. There are other factors, as well. Was the suspect armed? Was there a break-in? If the stolen item is worth less than $50, it is a Class C misdemeanor and you will be fined. If the stolen item is worth less than $500 but more than $50, it is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines and jail time up to 180 days. If the property is valued at less than $1,500 but more than $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines and up to a year in prison. If the theft involved a firearm and/or the item(s) was worth more than $1,500, it is a felony. These charges can carry heavy fines and serious jail time, sometimes up to five years. If accused of first degree felony theft, a defendant can be looking at a 99-year sentence and $10,000 in fines if the value of the property stolen exceeds $200,000 in value.

HOW TO DEFEND AGAINST THEFT CHARGES

Theft charges are a serious matter, as they can permanently stay on your criminal record. They can discredit you, prevent you from getting hired or promoted, can cause you great professional strife, and ruin your reputation. They may even prevent you from getting a mortgage for a house. That is why it is important to hire an attorney who is experienced in dealing with prosecutors and defending clients against serious charges like theft. Wheeler Law Office has the team with that very experience. They know how to aggressively defend you against criminal charges and will work along with prosecutors to get you the fairest outcome possible.

If you have been accused of anything above, please contact a lawyer or the Wheeler Law Office immediately. Our lead attorney, Alan Wheeler, is a former prosecutor and his experience with the District Attorney’s office gives him the advantage of knowing how prosecutors operate in these circumstances. Contact our offices right now for a free consultation. Call us at (940) 465-3178 or visit our website.