Austin Theft Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged in Austin with theft, whether it be shoplifting to employee theft to armed robbery, please contact Austin theft defense lawyer Kevin Bennett.
Theft may seem like a rather minor crime when compared to violent or sex crimes, but the consequences of a theft conviction in Texas can be significant and can haunt you for the rest of your life. Theft crimes can be classified as either a misdemeanor or
felony and the classification and penalties faced are usually based on the value of what was allegedly taken, whether force was used and whether you entered someone’s home.
What is a Theft Crime?
Theft is generally defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property without that person’s consent. Theft offenses also occur when someone accepts or receives property he or she knows to be stolen. Theft offenses are considered crimes of “moral turpitude.” That is, they are crimes that reflect on one’s character.
Penalties for Theft Crimes
If convicted of a theft crime, you can face serious jail or prison time, significant fines, restitution, community service, and a serious blemish on your permanent criminal record. Mr. Bennett understands the importance of avoiding a theft conviction and will work hard to see that your case is given personal attention. Mr. Bennett can also advise you as to how to obtain an Order of Non-Disclosure or
Expungement, whenever eligible.
Texas Theft Law
Theft: Penal Code Sec. 31.03
(a) A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.
(b) Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
(1) it is without the owner's effective consent;
(2) the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
(3) property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
Common Examples of Theft Crimes in Austin, Texas
- Burglary
- Credit Card Theft
- Credit Card Abuse
- Embezzlement
- Employee Theft
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Theft by Check
- Theft of Service
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
Having a theft defense lawyer to help you navigate through the process associated with your theft arrest can make an essential difference in the outcome of your case. To discuss your alleged theft crime in full detail, please contact the Law Office of Kevin Bennett at
(512) 476-4626. You may also contact us through
email.