Crimes Against Property in Texas

In the state of Texas, “property crimes” refers to a category of crime related to the destruction or larceny-theft of someone else’s property. This includes crimes such as:

1. Fraud (Including Mail Fraud)
2. Shoplifting
3. Burglary
4. Robbery
5. Vandalism
6. Arson
7. Criminal Mischief
8. Criminal Trespassing
9. Extortion
10. Embezzlement
11. Motor vehicle theft

The penalty for a conviction of crimes against someone else’s property varies depending on the circumstances of individual cases. Some of these factors include:

• The value of the property that was destroyed or stolen
• If weapons were used
• If potential or actual bodily injury occurred

Most property crimes tend to be minor. In most cases, especially with nonviolent offenses, these crimes are prosecuted as misdemeanors. However, if circumstances permit then it’s possible that the case may be prosecuted as a felony. If you’re convicted, then you may face penalties including but not limited to:

1. A permanent criminal record
2. Substantial fines
3. Incarceration
4. Probation
5. Restitution
6. Loss of professional license

However, these may not be the only outcomes you face. In addition to the consequences handed down by the court, you may also find yourself having a difficult time finding a job or renting a place to live. Hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience in criminal law and the Texas penal code provides you a better chance of avoiding the most severe penalties from the court and in your day-to-day life.

Attorneys serve multiple purposes when it comes to the law. The job of a defense attorney is to fight for the defendant in a court of law. It’s their responsibility to act as an advocate for their clients and aggressively defend their rights. They will work in your best interest to limit any potential damage and fight for the best possible outcome.

Your rights as a defendant go beyond just the crime at hand. They keep your rights and your best interests in mind throughout the entirety of the case. This includes removing jurors who may be biased toward either you as an individual, the crime you’re being charged with, or the case as a whole. It’s your constitutional right to have a fair trial and they are there to see to it that this happens. In a court of law, you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A defense attorney understands the law thoroughly and knows how it applies to your specific case. They’ll review the evidence and interview witnesses. They’ll keep you informed on the next steps, provide legal advice, and defend you in court.