What is the Penalty for Theft in Texas?
Theft is a serious crime in Texas, and the penalties for being convicted of theft can be severe. The punishment for theft in Texas depends on the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history. In this article, we will explore the different types of theft in Texas, the penalties for each, and the possible consequences of a theft conviction.
What is Theft in Texas?
In Texas, theft is defined as the unauthorized taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Theft can take many forms, including:
- Theft of Property: This is the most common type of theft in Texas. It involves the unauthorized taking of property, such as money, goods, or services.
- Theft of Services: This type of theft involves the unauthorized taking of services, such as medical services or transportation services.
- Theft of Identification: This type of theft involves the unauthorized taking of identification, such as a driver’s license or social security card.
- Theft of Credit Card Information: This type of theft involves the unauthorized taking of credit card information, such as the card number, expiration date, and security code.
Penalties for Theft in Texas
The penalties for theft in Texas depend on the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history. The possible penalties for theft in Texas are:
- Class C Misdemeanor: This is the least severe type of theft in Texas. It is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or a sentence of up to 30 days in jail.
- Class B Misdemeanor: This type of theft is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a sentence of up to 180 days in jail.
- Class A Misdemeanor: This type of theft is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or a sentence of up to one year in jail.
- Felony: This is the most severe type of theft in Texas. It is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Theft of Property Under $100
Theft of property valued at less than $100 is considered a Class C Misdemeanor. The possible penalties for this type of theft are:
- Fine: Up to $500
- Jail Time: Up to 30 days
Theft of Property $100 to $750
Theft of property valued between $100 and $750 is considered a Class B Misdemeanor. The possible penalties for this type of theft are:
- Fine: Up to $2,000
- Jail Time: Up to 180 days
Theft of Property $750 to $2,500
Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500 is considered a Class A Misdemeanor. The possible penalties for this type of theft are:
- Fine: Up to $4,000
- Jail Time: Up to one year
Theft of Property Over $2,500
Theft of property valued over $2,500 is considered a Felony. The possible penalties for this type of theft are:
- Fine: Up to $10,000
- Jail Time: Up to 10 years
Theft with a Prior Conviction
If a person has a prior conviction for theft, the penalties for subsequent theft offenses will be more severe. The possible penalties for theft with a prior conviction are:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $2,000 and/or a sentence of up to 180 days in jail
- Class A Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $4,000 and/or a sentence of up to one year in jail
- Felony: Fine of up to $10,000 and/or a sentence of up to 10 years in prison
Consequences of a Theft Conviction
A theft conviction can have serious consequences, including:
- Criminal Record: A theft conviction will remain on a person’s criminal record for the rest of their life.
- Fine: The defendant will be required to pay a fine, which can be significant.
- Jail Time: The defendant may be sentenced to jail time, which can range from a few days to several years.
- Loss of Employment: A theft conviction can result in the loss of employment or the inability to find employment.
- Loss of Rights: A theft conviction can result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote or the right to own a firearm.
Conclusion
Theft is a serious crime in Texas, and the penalties for being convicted of theft can be severe. The punishment for theft in Texas depends on the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history. It is important for individuals to understand the laws and penalties surrounding theft in Texas to avoid the serious consequences of a theft conviction.
