Attorneys of Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC walking

San Antonio Theft Lawyer

In the state of Texas, there are various offenses that could constitute theft. The particular charge a person receives for theft will depend on the value of the items taken, and those convicted of theft charges could face significant time in prison as well as major fines. At Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, our team is standing by to help when you need a San Antonio theft defense attorney. We will investigate every aspect of the charges against you in an effort to get them reduced or dismissed altogether.

San Antonio Theft Attorney

Why Hire Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC for Your Theft Crime Case?

Facing theft charges alone can be daunting, but the team at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC will be standing by to provide a vigorous defense on your behalf.

Our legal team is not only skilled and aggressive, but also compassionate. We understand what you are feeling, and are dedicated to going above and beyond when in defending you against your theft crimes charge.

Call Hoelscher, Gebbia, Cepeda, PLLC, now. The sooner we start working on your case, the faster we can start collecting on your behalf and begin exploring possibilities for dismissal and avoiding a theft conviction.

How Will An Attorney Help San Antonio Theft Case?

If you have been charged with theft crimes, a skilled San Antonio theft defense lawyer will be an invaluable asset as your case moves forward. By involving a a theft defense lawyer early in the process, you will have an ally by your side who can use their resources to:

Remember, to be convicted of a theft crime, a prosecutor needs to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is your legal right to have a competent legal defense challenging any charges against you. Hoelscher, Gebbia, Cepeda, PLLC, will provide you with the representation you are entitled to and deserve against the state’s charges.

What is the Legal Definition of Theft in Texas?

In Texas, the word theft refers to a wide range of crimes and various punishments as discussed in detail below. However, most theft crimes have been consolidated into a single legal offense found in section 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code.

In the Texas Penal Code, theft is defined as, “the unlawful appropriation of property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of that property.”

Appropriation of property is unlawful if:

  1. It is without the owner’s effective consent
  2. The property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another
  3. Property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.

Theft Charges And Penalties in Texas

In Texas, there are various different offenses that could constitute theft and lead to criminal charges. All the following actions are considered theft in the state of Texas:

The penalties for theft in Texas depend on the value of the alleged stolen property.

The penalties and punishments associated with theft charges vary widely. For example, a person convicted of a Class C misdemeanor theft charge may face no jail time and a fine of up to $500. A person convicted of a first-degree felony theft offense in Texas could face up to 99 years in prison as well as a fine of up to $10,000. To learn more information about the specific penal codes that may apply to your case, speak with a qualified theft charges defense attorney today.

Determining Restitution Amounts in Theft Cases

In most theft cases, the Texas Penal Code defines the value of the item taken as the fair market value at the time and place of the offense. Fair market value means the amount that the property would sell for in cash, given a reasonable time for selling it. If that amount cannot be ascertained, then the value might be determined by considering the cost of replacing the property within a reasonable time after the theft.

There are different ways in which prosecutors might prove the value of the item taken. For instance, property owners may sometimes testify about a fair market value or the amount needed to replace the property in question.

Defenses to Theft Charges in Texas

There are several possible defenses an experienced defense attorney may argue against a theft charge in Texas. The defense, or defenses, a defense attorney chooses will depend upon the circumstances of the case.

The following is not a complete list of potential defenses to a theft charge. However, these are some of the more commonly used and successful.

There are other defenses for theft crimes in Texas called offense-specific defenses. This means these defenses only apply to a specific theft crime not theft crimes in general.

Theft crimes with offense-specific defenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

To find out if there is an offense-specific defense to a Texas theft crime, contact an experienced theft crime defense attorney in San Antonio.

What to Do if You are Facing Theft Charges in San Antonio

Theft charges in Texas are taken very seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The consequences of a theft conviction are multi-faceted. You may face time in jail or prison, exorbitant fines and restitution, and a permanent criminal record.

A theft conviction could impact where you choose to work or go to school, and society has a negative stigma attached to theft crimes. If you were charged with any theft crime, it is imperative that you enlist the help of an experienced San Antonio theft crimes lawyer today to improve your chances of avoiding a conviction and protect your future.

Contact Our San Antonio Theft Defense Attorney Today

If you or somebody you love is facing theft charges in or around the San Antonio area, contact a skilled San Antonio theft attorney from our law firm immediately. At Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, we have the experience you need for your criminal defense case in Bexar County. We are ready to use our resources to fully investigate the theft crimes against you so we can help you get back to living your life. When you need a San Antonio theft defense attorney, you can contact us online or by calling (210) 222-9132.