TL;DR:
- Arlington theft charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
- Common offenses include shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and service theft.
- Penalties depend on the value of the stolen property and any aggravating factors.
If you’ve been accused of theft in Arlington, the first thing you need to know is this: you’re not alone, and you do have options.
Texas law treats theft seriously, and even minor accusations can lead to long-term consequences. But understanding what you’re facing, and how it’s usually handled, can ease some of the fear and help you take smart, timely action.
Let’s break down the most common theft-related charges in Arlington, what they mean under Texas law, and what kind of penalties they carry.
What Counts As Theft Under Texas Law?
In plain terms, theft happens when someone takes property that doesn’t belong to them, with the intent to keep it, and without the owner’s permission.
Under Texas Penal Code § 31.03, prosecutors must prove three things to get a conviction:
- The property was taken without consent.
- The person intended to permanently keep it.
- The appropriation was unlawful.
But theft isn’t just about walking out of a store with unpaid items. It includes a wide range of actions, from scams to threats. Depending on how the theft happened and the value of what was taken, the charges can go from minor to severe quickly.
Types Of Theft Crimes In Arlington
Here’s a breakdown of theft-related offenses we commonly see in Arlington courts:
Shoplifting
Taking items from a store without paying, either by concealing them, switching tags, or walking out with unpaid goods. Retailers often prosecute aggressively, even for small-dollar thefts.
Burglary
Entering a home, building, or vehicle without permission and with the intent to commit a theft (or another felony). It doesn’t matter if anything was actually taken; intent is enough.
Robbery
This takes theft a step further. Robbery happens when force or threats are used during the act of stealing. Even putting someone in fear can escalate a simple theft charge to a robbery case.
Theft Of Services
Skipping out on payment for a service, like dining and dashing, tampering with utility meters, or refusing to pay a contractor.
Extortion
Using threats or intimidation to get money, property, or services. It’s still considered theft, even if no property changes hands immediately.
Swindling Or Fraud
Tricking someone out of money or goods, think scams, false promises, or selling fake merchandise. These cases often rely on evidence of misrepresentation or deceit.
Receiving Stolen Property
Even if you didn’t steal something yourself, possessing property you know is stolen can lead to charges, especially if it looks like you were helping to conceal it.
Each charge comes with its own legal challenges, and each one can be fought with the right defense strategy.
What Penalties Could You Face?
Texas theft penalties are tied mainly to the value of the stolen property or services. But other factors can increase the stakes, like prior convictions or the use of force.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Misdemeanor Theft Charges
- Class C Misdemeanor: Property worth under $100. Fine up to $500, no jail time.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Property worth $100 to $749. Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine, or both.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Property worth $750 to $2,499. Up to 1 year in county jail, $4,000 fine, or both.
Felony Theft Charges
- State Jail Felony: $2,500 to $29,999 or specific items (firearms, metals, livestock). 180 days to 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines.
- Third-Degree Felony: $30,000 to $149,999. 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.
- Second-Degree Felony: $150,000 to $299,999. 2 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.
- First-Degree Felony: $300,000 or more. 5 to 99 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.
What Makes A Theft Charge More Serious?
Even small thefts can be charged as felonies in some situations, especially if:
- You have prior theft convictions.
- The property belonged to a public servant or nonprofit.
- The victim is an elderly or vulnerable person.
- The theft involved firearms, ballots, or ATMs.
These “aggravating factors” give prosecutors more power and make the need for a strong defense even more urgent.
FAQs About Arlington Theft Charges
What Should I Do If I’m Accused Of Theft?
Stay calm and don’t try to explain your side to the police, your boss, or anyone else. Anything you say can be used against you. Call a criminal defense attorney in Arlington as soon as possible.
What Are Some Common Defenses To Theft?
It depends on the case, but potential defenses include:
- You didn’t intend to steal.
- You had permission to take the property.
- Someone else committed the theft.
- The evidence is weak or circumstantial.
A good attorney will dig into the details, challenge the evidence, and fight for your side of the story.
Will A Theft Conviction Stay On My Record Forever?
It can, especially for felony convictions. But in some cases, you may be eligible for expungement or nondisclosure (record sealing) down the line. A defense lawyer can explain your options.
How Legal Defense Makes The Difference
In theft cases, the right legal strategy can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or even diversion programs that keep your record clean. That only happens when someone who knows the system is fighting for you.
A strong defense means:
- Scrutinizing the evidence.
- Pushing back on weak or inflated charges.
- Negotiating favorable outcomes.
- Protecting your rights at every stage.
No two theft cases are the same, and your defense shouldn’t be either.
Facing Theft Charges? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with theft in Arlington, your freedom, finances, and future could be on the line. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Schedule a confidential case evaluation with Arlington Criminal Attorneys today. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and build a plan that fits your life and legal goals. It’s private, judgment-free, and could make all the difference.
