Facing charges for possession of stolen property in Texas can have lasting effects on your life. A conviction can result in jail time, substantial fines, and a criminal record that can limit your job opportunities and access to housing.
Under Texas law, possession of stolen property is considered a serious theft offense. Before speaking with a law enforcement agency, it’s important to understand what these criminal charges mean and what penalties you could face. Keep reading to learn how Texas law defines this offense and how a San Antonio criminal law attorney can help you protect your rights.
Key Takeaways
- Possession of stolen property in Texas is treated as a serious theft crime under the Texas Penal Code.
- A law enforcement agency must prove the person knew or should have known the items were stolen.
- Penalties for theft depend on the value of the stolen property. The charge can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
- Working with an experienced Texas law firm can help reduce criminal charges, protect your rights, and fight for your freedom.
How Texas Defines Possession of Stolen Property
Under Texas law, the possession of stolen property, also called receiving or concealing stolen property, is treated as a theft crime. It means having control over something that was taken from someone else without permission. In other words, you don’t have to actually steal another person’s property to face theft charges.
To face criminal charges for possession of stolen property, certain elements must be present. The person must have had control over the stolen property, known it was stolen, and intended to keep, sell, or hide it. In Texas, receiving stolen property is treated similarly to theft, as both involve taking or holding someone else’s property without their consent.
The Charges for Receiving Stolen Property in Texas
The criminal penalties for possession of stolen property or receiving stolen property depend on the fair market value of the stolen items.
Here’s how the Texas law sets the levels:
- Class C Misdemeanor — Possessing stolen goods worth less than $100
- Class B Misdemeanor — Receiving stolen property worth $100 to $750
- Class A Misdemeanor — Possession of stolen property worth $750 to $2,500
- State Jail Felony — Possessing stolen property valued between $2,500 and $30,000
- Third-degree Felony — Receiving stolen property worth $30,000 to $150,000
- Second-degree Felony — Possession of stolen property valued at $150,000 to $300,000
- First-degree Felony — Stolen property worth over $300,000
Each stolen property offense carries harsher potential penalties than the last, including both fines and jail time for charges over a Class B misdemeanor. For a Class B misdemeanor, you may face fines and up to 180 days in jail, with a Class A misdemeanor carrying fines and up to one year in jail. Meanwhile, a first-degree felony carries the harshest penalties, with up to life in prison.
Do You Need a Theft Offenses Law Firm in Texas?
Facing theft charges in Texas is risky. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can impact your job, housing, and education opportunities. Even seemingly small mistakes, like talking to the police without legal help, can make your case harder to fight. That’s why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer is important. If you hire a criminal defense lawyer, here’s what they can do for you:
- Give pre-arrest advice or consultation to help you avoid self-incrimination
- Review and challenge the evidence collected by law enforcement
- Check whether the items stolen really belong to the alleged owner
- Argue that you didn’t know the property was stolen
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce punishment for theft charges or lower the charge severity
- Explore defenses like lack of intent or insufficient proof
- Represent you in court hearings and at trial
- Work to dismiss charges or get an acquittal
- Seek alternative pleas or diversion programs to avoid harsh criminal penalties
Defend Your Rights With Help From a Texas Theft Crimes Attorney
Facing a theft charge can be stressful, but knowing your rights and how Texas law handles stolen property offenses is the first step to protecting your future. At the Law Office of John G. Perez Jr., John helps clients defend against criminal charges for receiving stolen property.
Our criminal defense lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges. You don’t have to face this alone; our San Antonio possession of stolen property lawyer, John, is here to protect your rights every step of the way.