Theft In Arlington: Jail Time, Fines & Defense Options

Summary:

Texas theft penalties depend on the value of what was stolen and whether there are aggravating factors. Misdemeanors cover lower-value thefts (under $2,500); felonies involve larger amounts or repeat offenses. Prior convictions, use of weapons, or stealing from vulnerable groups can increase penalties. Convictions may carry long-term consequences for jobs, housing, and education.

If you’re facing theft charges in Arlington, the consequences can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the justice system. A simple mistake, misunderstanding, or bad moment can spiral into criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.

We’ve worked with clients who felt like one theft charge was about to wreck everything, from jobs to housing to their future plans. The good news? You’re not powerless. But it starts with understanding what the law says, what penalties you could face, and how we can help protect you.

Let’s break it down in plain terms.

What Counts As Theft In Texas?

In Texas, theft means taking someone else’s property without permission and with the intent to keep it permanently. It’s not just shoplifting, stealing services, failing to return rental items, or even misusing property you were entrusted with that can all count as theft.

To convict someone, the prosecution has to prove two main things:

1. The property was taken unlawfully.
2. You meant to keep it and not give it back.

Intent is key. If you walked out of a store with an item you genuinely forgot to pay for, that’s a very different case from someone caught trying to hide merchandise.

Misdemeanor Theft Charges In Arlington

Texas separates theft offenses by the value of the property or services stolen. Lower-value thefts fall under misdemeanors, but that doesn’t mean they’re not serious.

Class C Misdemeanor

• Value: Under $100.
• Penalty: Fine up to $500.
• No jail time, but it still creates a criminal record.

Class B Misdemeanor

• Value: $100 to $749.
• Penalty: Up to 180 days in jail, and a fine up to $2,000.

Class A Misdemeanor

• Value: $750 to $2,499.
• Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail, and a fine up to $4,000.

Even a misdemeanor theft charge can follow you. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often view theft as a sign of dishonesty, so your record could limit your opportunities long after the case ends.

Felony Theft Charges In Arlington

Once the value hits $2,500 or more, or certain aggravating factors are involved, the theft becomes a felony.

State Jail Felony

• Value: $2,500 to $29,999.
• Penalty: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine.
• Also applies to theft involving firearms, livestock, or specific metals.

Third-Degree Felony

• Value: $30,000 to $149,999.
• Penalty: 2 to 10 years in prison, and fines up to $10,000.

Second-Degree Felony

• Value: $150,000 to $299,999.
• Penalty: 2 to 20 years in prison, and up to $10,000 fine.

First-Degree Felony

• Value: $300,000 or more.
• Penalty: 5 to 99 years in prison, and a maximum $10,000 fine.

Whether it’s shoplifting from a store or misappropriating funds from an employer, the more value involved, the more severe the charge. But it’s not just the price tag that matters.

What Can Make Theft Charges Worse?

In many cases, the details of how the theft happened or who was affected can increase the severity of your charge, even if the value is low.

Here are some examples of aggravating factors:

• You’ve been convicted of theft before.
• The stolen item belonged to a government agency or nonprofit.
• The victim was elderly or disabled.
• You used a firearm or threatened someone during the theft.
• You worked with others in an organized theft group.
• You disabled a fire alarm or security system while committing the crime.

These kinds of details give prosecutors more leverage and raise the risk of longer jail time or higher fines. But they also give your defense attorney more opportunities to challenge the case.

The Hidden Impact Of A Theft Conviction

Even if you avoid jail time, a theft conviction can stick with you and create major problems down the line.

Here’s what many of our clients worry about (rightfully so):

Employment

Most employers run criminal history background checks. A theft charge, especially one that wasn’t dismissed, can be seen as a red flag.

Housing

Landlords may deny rental applications if they see any theft charges or convictions on your record.

College & Financial Aid

Some colleges and grant programs deny students with criminal histories, especially if the charge involved dishonesty or property crimes.

Professional Licenses

If you’re in (or trying to enter) a licensed profession, like healthcare, law, finance, or education, a theft conviction may block your certification or trigger disciplinary action.

Reputation & Relationships

For many people, just being accused of stealing can damage trust with coworkers, neighbors, or even friends and family. The stigma is real, and we get how painful it can be.

How We Help You Fight Theft Charges

Our job is to give you a plan, not just panic. Once we understand what happened and what the prosecution has, we can tailor a defense that fits your situation.

Here’s how we typically help:

Challenge The Evidence

Was the footage grainy or unclear? Did someone misidentify you? Were you searched illegally? We’ll push back on anything that doesn’t hold up in court.

Dispute The Value

If the value of the property is inflated or miscalculated, we work to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor or get it dismissed entirely.

Negotiate Alternatives

If it’s your first offense, we may pursue diversion programs, deferred prosecution, or probation. These can help you avoid jail, and sometimes even keep your record clean.

Expose Weak Spots In The Case

The prosecutor has the burden of proof. If their case is shaky, we highlight those weaknesses and push for a dismissal or major reduction in charges.

Every theft case is different. That’s why we never use a one-size-fits-all approach.

FAQs: Theft Penalties In Arlington