Skilled Arlington Theft Lawyer Provides Defense Strategies

Theft Charges In Arlington, TX

Theft is defined as unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. However, Texas law classifies theft in several ways depending on the value of the property and the circumstances surrounding the crime. Understanding where your case fits can help your theft lawyer in Arlington build a strong defense.

Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft

Theft in Texas is categorized as either petty theft or grand theft, and penalties escalate with the value of the stolen property. Here’s how they break down:

• Class C Misdemeanor (Petty Theft): Property valued at less than $100. Punishable by fines up to $500 but no jail time.
• State Jail Felony: Property worth $2,500 to $29,999. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: Property valued at $30,000 to $149,999. Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Felony: Property worth $150,000 to $299,999. Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
• First-Degree Felony: Property valued at $300,000 or more. Punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison.

These penalties can affect every area of your life, but with the right defense, your lawyer can work to reduce the charges or even have them dismissed.

Consequences Of Theft Convictions In Texas

A theft conviction in Texas goes far beyond court fines or jail time; the consequences can affect every part of your life, from your relationships to your career and even your financial future. The sooner you understand what’s at stake, the better equipped you’ll be to fight for your rights and future.

Employment Challenges

One of the most significant consequences of a theft conviction is the impact on your ability to find and keep a job. A theft conviction can make you lose employment opportunites as most employers conduct background checks before hiring. 

It’s especially challenging to secure positions in industries that involve trust, such as finance, banking, retail management, or handling sensitive information. Even jobs that don’t require access to money can become off-limits if your conviction shows up in a criminal background check.

If you’re convicted of theft, you may also face difficulty retaining your current job, especially if you’re in a position of trust or authority. Employers often have strict company policies regarding criminal convictions, and in some cases, a theft conviction could lead to termination.

Relationship Damages

A theft conviction can cause serious emotional distress and strain relationships with family and friends. Loved ones may struggle with feelings of betrayal, shame, or embarrassment due to the accusation or conviction. This can create distance, whether it’s in romantic relationships, family dynamics, or social circles.

Trust is often the most challenging thing to rebuild after a conviction, and even if you’re eventually exonerated, the emotional scars may linger. For those with children, the consequences could extend to custody disputes or visitation rights, especially if your conviction affects your parental fitness in the eyes of the court.

Educational Setbacks

A theft conviction can also hinder your ability to pursue higher education or access scholarships and financial aid. Many colleges and universities conduct background checks on students applying for specific programs, and a criminal record may prevent you from qualifying for certain academic opportunities. For example, fields like education, medicine, and law enforcement often require a clean record for enrollment or employment.

A conviction can also prevent you from obtaining internships, fellowships, or student loans, putting your future plans at risk. If you were depending on academic programs for career advancement, a theft conviction could close doors that you’d been working toward for years.

Financial Strain

In addition to the legal fees, fines, and restitution costs associated with a theft conviction, you’ll likely face long-term financial strain. Legal fees for theft cases can add up quickly, especially if the case goes to trial or requires expert testimony. If convicted, fines and restitution payments can put a serious dent in your finances, leaving you struggling to keep up with bills and everyday expenses.

Loss of employment opportunities can exacerbate these challenges, leaving you with fewer income sources. Without the ability to secure stable employment, you may fall into a cycle of debt that’s difficult to break. 

Credit scores may drop, and securing loans, mortgages, or even renting an apartment could become increasingly difficult. For many, the financial impact of a theft conviction can take years to recover from, further complicating their ability to move forward with their life.

Criminal Record

Finally, the most lasting consequence of a theft conviction is the permanent mark on your criminal record. This record will follow you for the rest of your life and affect every area of your future. Whether you’re looking for a new job, trying to secure a rental property, or applying for a professional license, a criminal record can get in the way of even the most basic opportunities.

Many licensing boards, including those for real estate, law, medicine, and accounting, will conduct background checks and may deny you a license based on your record. Even if you have successfully paid your debt to society, the stigma of being labeled a convicted thief can haunt you for years.
Fighting theft charges is all about protecting your reputation, financial stability, and future opportunities. That’s why it’s so critical to have an experienced Arlington theft law firm by your side. With the right defense strategy, you can fight to minimize the impact of these charges and get a chance to rebuild your life.