Theft and robbery charges can apply to a wide range of actions. This includes everything from the theft of physical property or money to a person’s identity. To deter such behaviors, the state prosecutes these offenses extremely harshly. Unfortunately, this can result in false accusations, infringed rights, and unfair punishments.
Whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense, a theft or robbery charge can have serious short-term and long-term consequences. A theft or robbery conviction can tarnish your future and damage other people’s trust in you. It could also ruin your ability to find gainful employment and possibly even compromise some of your fundamental rights. However, you can help yourself by getting an experienced theft attorney to represent you.
An experienced robbery offense attorney could have your charges dismissed entirely or reduced in severity. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our Dallas criminal defense lawyers know how frightening it can be to face such charges. And we want anyone in this situation to know that they have legal protections under the law.
The dedicated attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter have been defending individuals charged with crimes for more than 12 years. We have a proven track record of getting charges mitigated and cases dismissed. Founding attorney Mark T. Lassiter is an experienced attorney who is highly regarded by his clients and esteemed by his peers. Mr. Lassiter has received recognition as one of the top 100 trial lawyers, a Texas super lawyer, and a Who’s Who in America.
Don’t hesitate any longer if you’re facing theft or robbery charges in Dallas. Contact the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today at (214) 845-7007 so we can help you.
Theft and Robbery Charges We Defend
Mark Lassiter has considerable experience with theft and robbery cases, both as a defense attorney and a prosecutor. Through his experience at the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, he has unique insight into how these cases get handled. Mark and his team are ready to put this information to use defending against charges such as:
A conviction of any of these charges can have life-altering effects. Fortunately, if you are facing any of these or other theft or robbery charges, you do not have to fight them on your own. Do not try and negotiate or bargain with prosecutors or police officers without knowing your rights. Get help from the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter. Call our defense lawyers today at (214) 845-7007.
Details about Theft Crimes
While there are a variety of theft crimes under Texas law, the basis of theft law is generally the same. In Texas, under Texas Penal Code Annotated § 31, a theft occurs when:
A person unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property. An appropriation of property is unlawful if:
- it is without the owner’s effective consent;
- the property is stolen, and the actor appropriates the property knowing someone else stole it or
- the actor appropriates the property of any law enforcement agency, believing someone else stole it.
Thefts can happen under a variety of circumstances. A theft offense may be a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the nature and value of the stolen property. There are three classes of misdemeanor thefts in Texas:
- Misdemeanor C Theft: In this instance, the property or service stolen is worth less than $50. A conviction for this crime does not carry a potential of jail time but is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
- Misdemeanor B Theft: In this instance, the property or service stolen is worth more than $50 but less than $500. Or, it is of a certain type of property, such as a driver’s license. A conviction for this crime carries a potential of jail time of up to 180 days and is punishable by a fine of up to $2000.
- Misdemeanor A Theft: In this instance, the property or service stolen is worth more than $500 but less than $1500. Conviction of this crime carries a potential of jail time of up to one year and is punishable by a fine of up to $4000.
In addition to misdemeanor thefts, there are also felony thefts. There are four classes of felony theft in Texas.
- State Jail Felony Theft: In this instance, the property or service stolen is worth more than $1,500, but less than $20,000. Or the type of property stolen was of a specific type, such as livestock valued under $20,000 or a firearm. If convicted, an offender can face imprisonment ranging from 180 days to 2 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Felony Theft of the Third Degree: In this instance, the property or value of services stolen is worth at least $20,000 but less than $100,000. Conviction of this offense can result in jail time ranging from 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Felony Theft of the Second Degree: In this instance, the property or value of services stolen is worth at least $100,000 but less than $200,000. Conviction of this offense can result in jail time ranging from 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Felony Theft of the First Degree: In this instance, the property or value of services stolen is at least $200,000 or more. Conviction of this offense can result in jail time ranging from 5 to 99 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Whether a misdemeanor or felony, if convicted of theft, an offender can be subject to serious penalties. These penalties may be even worse if the offender has been previously convicted of breaking the law.
Details about Robbery Crimes
Under Texas law, there are multiple robbery crimes, including robbery and aggravated robbery.
According to Texas Penal Code Annotated § 29, a person commits robbery if while they commit a theft, they:
- intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
- intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
Robbery, as described above, is a felony of the second degree. In Texas, a felony of the second degree is punishable by jail time ranging from 2 to 20 years and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Under Texas law, robbery charges can also be upgraded to aggravated robbery charges. According to Texas Penal Code Annotated § 29, a person commits aggravated robbery if, during the commission of a robbery, they:
- cause serious bodily injury to another;
- use or exhibit a deadly weapon or
- cause bodily injury to another person or threaten or place another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death if the other person is disabled or 65 or older
In this context, a disabled person is someone with a mental, physical, or developmental disability who cannot protect themselves from harm. Aggravated robbery is a felony of the first degree, and is punishable by jail time ranging from five to 99 years and a potential fine of up to $10,000.00.
Being charged with a robbery crime is a serious offense. Robbery not only involves taking another person’s property, but it also involves harm to another person. There are some defenses to robbery, and knowing the law can help protect you if you face charges for one of these crimes. Call the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter at (214) 845-7007 to discuss your legal options.
Defending You Against Theft and Robbery Charges
A common defense to both theft and robbery is that the offender lacked knowledge or intent. Common defenses to robbery include lack of intent or that the victim did not actually fear serious bodily harm. There are also other defenses your lawyer can use to prove you did not perpetrate the charged crime. It is best to have an attorney assist with a defense for a theft or robbery crime. The law can be confusing, and the potential punishments for a conviction are harsh.
Conviction of one of these serious offenses can tarnish the rest of your life. The laws that apply to theft and robbery in Texas can be confusing, and dealing with police and prosecutors can be intimidating. Knowing how to navigate the legal process can make a huge difference. Call the dedicated and knowledgeable attorneys of Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter at (214) 845-7007 today.
Get in Touch With a Dallas Theft Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing charges as serious as theft or robbery, you need an equally serious defense. Contact the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today to learn more about what our theft & robbery offenses lawyers in Dallas can do to defend your rights and protect your future. Call us at (214) 845-7007 to learn more about what we can do for you.
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