Arrested for Theft in Waco

Theft is the criminal act of taking another person’s property or money without that other person’s permission. Being arrested on theft charges is a serious offense with far-reaching consequences that will affect your reputation, job, career, and community standing. 

We have decades of experience with the McLennan County District Attorney in theft cases. That experience can help provide our clients with vital tactics to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s theft case. Call us at 254-753-6437 for a free 30-minute consultation.

Lawyer Experienced with Theft Defense in Waco

Being convicted of theft charges can have a profound impact on the rest of your life. Beyond the criminal penalties for theft in Waco, a theft conviction can make it challenging to find employment. When you have been accused of or charged with theft, it’s essential to how to protect yourself. 

Theft charges in McLennan County

Waco theft crimes and their legal penalties will depend on the items stolen, the property’s value, and the criminal history of the person charged. If the person is a repeat offender, the court may give the person a prison sentence of several years.

Theft charges can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of felony theft, you could have to serve a significant amount of time in prison or probation. If you are convicted of misdemeanor theft, you may have to serve a short jail sentence, may be required to pay a fine, or do community service.

The value of the property stolen is usually the primary determinant of what punishment the individual will receive. If the property is worth:

• Less than $50, you can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor
• Between $50-$500, the punishment can be a Class B misdemeanor
• Between $500-$1500, you could face a Class A misdemeanor
• Between $1,500-$20,000, the penalty may be a state jail felony
• Between $20,000-$100,000, you could face a third-degree felony
• Between $100,000-$200,000, you could face a second-degree felony
• $200,000 or more, can result in a first-degree felony

Petty theft and grand theft are two categories that stolen property are grouped into when determining the charge. If you have been arrested for a second petty theft crime, it could be filed as a felony. The charges can become more severe if they are compounded with other charges such as battery.

Because of the significant consequences to a person charged with a theft crime, it is crucial to immediately hire a Waco theft criminal defense lawyer when you are investigated or charged with a theft offense. Hiring an experienced attorney can make the difference between a conviction for a theft offense and having the case dismissed.

Regularly Asked Questions About Criminal Defense 

You probably have a lot of questions about criminal defense in Waco. We have assembled some general information about the criminal justice system for you to read while waiting for an appointment with a defense lawyer. 

Waco Criminal Defense Attorney 

If you have been accused of theft in McLennan County, you need to call an attorney experienced handling these charges. Our Waco criminal defense law firm has been fighting theft charges against defendants for decades. If you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Waco, call us at 254-753-6437 to discuss your important criminal case.