By definition, larceny is the criminal act of unlawfully taking another person’s or business entity’s personal property. The state of Texas does not take this offense lightly. On the contrary, the courts will likely penalize you with fines, jail time, and ultimately, a permanent criminal record. This can alter the trajectory of your life, which is why you must do everything in your power to defend against it. Read on to discover the consequences of committing larceny and how a seasoned McAllen, Texas theft lawyer of the Law Office of Angel Davila can work on your behalf in building a legal strategy.
What are the penalties for committing larceny in the state of Texas?
Generally speaking, the penalties you receive for committing larceny will depend on a list of factors. That is, the Texas courts will consider the following:
- The value of the property you stole.
- Whether you have a previous criminal record.
- Whether you committed another offense alongside larceny.
- The overall circumstances of your offense.
With that being said, the potential penalties for larceny are generally close to the following:
- Class C misdemeanor: the stolen was worth at most $100.
- A fine of up to $500.
- Class B misdemeanor: the stolen property was worth between $100 to $750.
- A fine of up to $2,000.
- A jail sentence of up to 180 days.
- Class A misdemeanor: the stolen property was worth between $750 to $2,500.
- A fine of up to $4,000.
- A jail sentence of up to one year.
- State jail felony: the stolen property was worth between $2,500 to $30,000.
- A fine of up to $10,000.
- A jail sentence of between 180 days to two years.
- Third-degree felony: the stolen property was worth anywhere between $30,000 to $150,000.
- A fine of up to $10,000.
- A jail sentence of between two to 10 years.
- Second-degree felony: the stolen property was worth anywhere between $150,000 to $300,000.
- A fine of up to $10,000.
- A jail sentence of between two to 20 years.
- First-degree felony: the stolen property was worth more than $300,000.
- A fine of up to $10,000.
- A jail sentence of between five to 99 years.
Can I defend against my larceny conviction in the state of Texas?
There are only a few ways in which you can defend against your larceny conviction, and they mostly apply to a shoplifting offense. For example, you can argue that you intended to pay for the item, did not realize you were stealing the item, or thought you had implicit permission to take the item.
Again, this depends on the overall circumstances of your case. But for help with reducing or altogether eliminating the penalties placed against you, you must retain the services of a competent Hidalgo County, Texas criminal defense lawyer.
Contact Our Hidalgo County, Texas Firm
For quality legal defense for criminal convictions, family law matters, and estate planning matters, contact the Law Office of Angel Davila today.
