Austin Theft Lawyer
Theft Defense Attorney in Austin
The charge of theft covers a wide range of offenses that includes everything from shoplifting to check fraud to possession of stolen property. The laws of the state of Texas dictate that the punishments for theft depend on the value of the item stolen, and punishments can range from a fine to lengthy prison time in extreme cases. Find a theft lawyer as soon as possible.
Theft is defined by the Texas Penal Code as taking someone else’s personal property without permission, either by means of deception or by physically stealing it. It’s not necessary for someone to keep stolen property in his possession for the act to be considered theft. All that matters is that the act of stealing an item deprives its owner of its value. If an item is stolen and then returned for an reward, the act is still considered theft according to Texas law.
What Texas Theft Charges Could I Face?
These are some common types of theft in the state of Texas:
- Shoplifting - Intentionally taking items out of a store without paying for them is a crime.
- Bad checks - Writing a check from an account that has been closed or has insufficient funds is a crime.
- General theft - Taking an item while knowing that you do not have permission from the owner is a crime.
- Buying or accepting stolen property - Taking possession of an item knowing that the item has been stolen is a crime.
If you have been charged with theft, you need a theft attorney to protect your rights and put forth your best defense. Contact White and Measells at (512) 369-3737 for a free consultation.
Austin’s Experienced Theft Attorneys
It is invaluable to have an attorney on your side who can inform you of your rights when facing a theft charge. An attorney will investigate the charges against you and fight to prove that the allegedly stolen items in question were not acquired with criminal intent.
To be able to charge you with criminal intent, law enforcement has the burden of proving that you knew that the property belonged to someone else, that you didn’t have his permission to take the item, and that you have or have had possession of the property. This proof of criminal intent can only be proven by using physical evidence such as security camera footage, statements from an eyewitness, or a confession from you. If you find yourself accused of theft by law enforcement, make sure you know your rights are protected. It is very important that an attorney is contacted as soon as the accusation occurs to avoid being charged without proper evidence.
Get a Theft Defense Lawyer On Your Side
If you find yourself accused of theft, call White and Measells at (512) 369-3737. Contact an Austin theft defense lawyer to make sure your rights as a citizen are protected when being accused of such a serious crime. We are here to shield you from wrongful prosecution and to minimize the adverse impacts of this accusation.
