Charges Of Felony Theft

An individual was recently arrested in the Denton area on a felony theft charge after law enforcement claimed that he stole approximately $21,000 from the Ponder Fine Arts Booster Club bank account between August 2014 and December 2015. According to a law enforcement arrest affidavit, club members first learned that money was missing from the club’s account at Bank of the West in December 2015 because the account was overdrawn. Club officials then began to closely examine ATM withdrawals and transactions with the account to discover that $21,685.36 was either unaccounted for or missing. Law enforcement has been investigating the case since January 2016, but only recently obtained a warrant for the individual’s arrest. The individual was taken to the Denton County Jail on a charge of property theft between $20,000 to $100,000, which is classified as a third degree felony in the state of Texas. The club has since reorganized and decided to rename the group from the Ponder Band Booster Club to the Ponder Fine Arts Booster Club. New officers have also been named and there is an increased focus in the club on following its bylaws.

When individuals in the state of Texas are charged with theft, it is essential that they retain the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Consequences of Theft Charges

The Texas legislature recently passed a series of revisions in 2015 regarding how theft offenses are classified in the state. The severity of these crimes depend primarily on the extent of the property that is stolen by an individual. Other influencing factors include the nature of the offense in question as well as whether the individual has any prior criminal convictions. Penalties for theft in Texas break down in the following manner:

  • Individuals who steal $99.99 or less are charged with Class C misdemeanors.
  • Individuals who steal $100.00 to $749.99 are charged with Class B misdemeanors.
  • Individuals who steal $750 to $2,499.99 are charged with Class A misdemeanors.
  • Individuals who steal $2,500.00 to $29,999.99 are charged with state jail felonies. These penalties can result in up to two years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
  • Individuals who steal $30,000.00 to $149,999.99 are charged with third degree felonies. Third degree felonies can result in substantial fines and up to 10 years in prison.
  • Individuals who steal $150,000.00 to $299,999.99 are charged with second degree felonies. Second degree felonies can result in large fines as well as up to 20 years in prison.
  • Individuals who steal over $300,000.00 are charged with first degree felonies. First degree felonies result in large fines and up to a 99-year prison sentence.

How a Skilled Denton Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Being charged with a criminal offense can be overwhelming because it has the potential to result in extended imprisonment and significant fines. Many individuals also discover that being convicted of a crime can create significant educational and occupational obstacles. At the Wheeler Law Office, we understand just how stressful such a situation can be and offer a strong legal defense to respond to these types of charges. Contact our office today to retain seasoned legal counsel.

(image courtesy of Tim Evans)