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Theft Crimes your criminal defense powerhouse

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Houston Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

Diligently Defending Accused Texans Since 1980

From shoplifting to burglary, theft crimes can have life-altering consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. If you're facing theft charges in Houston, securing a robust defense is critical to protecting your freedom and future. At Law Offices of Gary Trichter, we understand the lasting impacts that a theft conviction can have on your life and are committed to fighting for the second chance you deserve.

Whether you were falsely accused or simply made an honest mistake, our theft crime defense lawyers can work diligently to drop or reduce the penalties you’re facing. Our goal is to preserve your liberty by providing an aggressive and strategic defense tailored to your specific circumstances. We have a deep understanding of the Texas criminal justice system and an impressive record of case dismissals, giving you peace of mind that your future is in trusted hands.

Don’t leave your future to chance after an arrest—put a board-certified criminal law specialist and former prosecutor on your side with Law Offices of Gary Trichter. Our firm is proud to be recognized by Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America®, underscoring our proven results and commitment to professional excellence. No matter your legal situation, our office is available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you have.

If you were accused of theft in Houston, put a former prosecutor on your side with Law Offices of Gary Trichter. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Gary is one of only 4 DWI specialist in the state and his reputation is unsurpassed.
“Gary and his staff are absolutely the best attorneys you can get. They deeply care for their clients well being and will fight for the best outcome possible. Gary's knowledge of the law and his calm demeanor has put my mind at ease when I had a medical situation that was very scary and misunderstood by an officer. He told me" I will walk you through this" and he did just that! scince then he has became a trusted friend.”

- Kevin J.
Ultimately, all charges were dropped and I was able to get on with my life.
“Gary Trichter is hands down the best attorney you will find. If you ever need representation this is the man to hire. He worked hard on the details of my case and was always available to talk.”

- James F.
Mr. Trichter ensured that I was informed at every step, which greatly reduced my anxiety and allowed me to make informed decisions.
“Not only did Mr. Trichter guide me through the complex legal proceedings but he also took the time to explain the process to me in a clear and understandable way. His direct answers and understanding ear helped me vastly through my legal process. Thanks to you Gary!”

- Seth L.
Gary exceeded my expectations, and was able to get my charges completely DISMISSED!
“I absolutely recommend, respect, and appreciate Gary and his team.They made the legal process easy, and were extremely helpful throughout the entire DWI ordeal. Gary specializes in Texas DWI cases and has a history of success. More importantly, in my opinion, is his fortitude, persistence, and unapologetic approach to these complacent DAs and Judges that seemed so eager to destroy my livelihood. Call Gary Trichter!! He will shoot you straight, and you will not regret hiring him and his team.”

- Kyle O.
Mr. Trichter seems to feel comfortable thinking outside the box and it pays off!
“Gary Trichter came recommended by a friend. I was told he was good but he's honestly fantastic! His staff, Cassie and Tracey are equally as awesome and so sweet! Gary is a very knowledgeable, caring, and creative lawyer. Call his office many times to talk about my case and I always feel like I get 100% attention. I highly recommend!”

- Jenny S.
I highly recommend Gary Trichter to represent you or your loved one.
“With all the charges against me, which were felonies I was in serious need of a wise exceptional attorney and Gary is just that. He got resisting arrest, illegal carry of a gun and an outstanding warrant for a car accident. All charges were dismissed.”

- Erica S.
Gary Trichter's professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to my case were exceptional.
“I highly recommend this Gary Trichter for anyone in need of expert legal representation. Him and his team guided me through every step of the process and fought tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Truly great work.”

- Kevin W.
I can not express the amount of gratitude I have for Mr. Trichter.
“I was referred to Mr. Trichter by a close family friend. Two of his family member had used him to represent them in their DWI case and were both very pleased with his work. After having Mr. Trichter represent me I can fully understand why. He is an amazing attorney and the best at his job by far. But more then that he is an amazing person that truly care about his client. I will forever be great full for what he has done for me in helping me have my case dismissed. Thank you again Gary!!!”

- Luke F.

Types of Theft Crimes We Defend Against

Shoplifting

Under Texas Penal Code (PC) § 31.03, shoplifting is committed when a person takes merchandise from a store without paying for it or intentionally alters price tags to pay less. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the stolen items and other unique factors.

Burglary

A burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters a building or structure with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony (PC § 30.02). This includes breaking into homes, businesses, or vehicles with the intent to steal. Burglaries involving homes are typically charged as felonies and carry significant prison time if convicted.

Robbery & Aggravated Robbery

Unlike petty theft or grand theft, robbery always constitutes a serious violent crime. This crime is defined as theft plus the use or threat of force against another individual (PC § 29.02). While robbery is typically charged as a second-degree felony, aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony that involves causing serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon (PC § 29.03).

Credit or Debit Card Abuse

Using someone else’s credit or debit card without authorization or with intent to defraud is classified as credit card abuse under PC § 32.31. This includes stealing card information or using a lost card without permission. This offense is generally charged as a state jail felony, but can also constitute third-degree felony charges in certain circumstances.

Theft of Services

“Theft of services” is committed when a person secures services without paying or by using false representations, such as utilities or labor (PC § 31.04). This crime can range from a class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the value of the services stolen.

Organized Retail Theft

Organized retail theft involves multiple individuals conspiring to steal or resell items from retail stores. This offense is punishable by steep penalties that increase with the value of the goods (PC § 31.16). Due to the coordinated nature of the crime, prosecutor often pursue harsh penalties for these cases, making it crucial to have a trusted defense attorney on your side.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in Texas?

Under state law, the penalties for a theft crime conviction depend on the value of the stolen property or services and can vary from fines to significant jail time. Below is a brief overview of common theft offenses and their potential penalties:

Class C misdemeanor. Also known as petty theft, this is the least severe type of theft offense. It occurs when a person steals property totaling less than $100 and is punishable by up to $500 in fines.
Class B misdemeanor. This offense is committed when the value of the stolen property is between $100 and $750. A conviction is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Class A misdemeanor. This crime is committed when the value of the stolen property is between $750 and $2,500. Potential penalties include up to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
State jail felony. This offense involves stealing property with a monetary value between $2,500 and $30,000. A conviction carries up to two years in state jail and $10,000 in fines.
Third-degree felony. This crime is committed when a person steals property with a value between $30,000 and $150,000. Penalties may include up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Second-degree felony. This involves stealing property with a value between $150,000 and 300,000. A conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
First-degree felony. This occurs when a person steals property valued at $300,000 or more. Potential penalties include 5 years to life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Keep in mind that the penalties of a theft conviction aren’t limited to fines and prison sentences, but can also have significant implications for future employment and housing opportunities. Partnering with a trusted defense attorney is paramount to pursuing a favorable outcome and protecting your hard-earned reputation.

At Law Offices of Gary Trichter, we have extensive experience in defending against all types of theft crime offenses. No matter the severity of the charges against you, we can work tirelessly to examine the evidence, challenge any improper procedures, and mitigate the potential penalties of a conviction.

Can I Face Shoplifting Charges if the Stolen Merchandise Never Leaves the Store?

Even if you never the store with the stolen merchandise, you can still face shoplifting charges. Under state law, simply concealing or taking merchandise with the intent to deprive the store of its value constitutes shoplifting. This means that even if you are caught before leaving the store, you can still be charged with shoplifting due to intent. Seeking sound counsel is paramount to establishing a strong defense and avoiding the life-changing penalties of a criminal conviction.

Common Legal Defenses Against Theft Crimes

Theft crimes carry significant consequences that can drastically impact your reputation, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Securing a strong defense is crucial to pursuing the best possible outcome in your case. Common defense strategies against theft offenses include:

Lack of intent. The prosecution must prove intent in order to convict you. If you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property, we can fight for a dismissal.
Mistaken ownership. If you genuinely believed the property belonged to you or had a lawful right to claim it, our firm can fight to drop the charges against you.
Entrapment. If law enforcement pressured or coerced you into committing the crime, we can advocate for a dismissal of charges based on entrapment.
Mistaken identity. If the theft charges resulted from misidentification or circumstantial evidence, we can build a defense on the grounds of mistaken identity.
Insufficient evidence. If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we can challenge the case against you.

Original Board-Certified DWI Specialist Gary Trichter Earned the Distinction of Being The 1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas

At the forefront of the industry stands our visionary founder, Gary Trichter. He earned the distinction of being the very first Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas. This certification is only given by the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) which is recognized by the American Bar Association.

Gary has spoken at hundreds of seminars on DWI and has taught lawyers, judges, and prosecutors about DWI law. Gary co-authored the textbook Texas Drunk Driving Law and is leading the way with unparalleled expertise in the field.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE

Do I Need a Theft Crime Defense Lawyer?

Facing theft charges without an experienced attorney can put you at a significant disadvantage. Some important reasons to work with our theft crime defense lawyers include:

Personalized Defense

We believe that every client deserves a tailored and strategic defense, which is why we take a personalized approach to every case we take on.

Case Investigation

Our attorneys can meticulously examine every aspect of your case to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and pursue a just verdict.

Negotiation Skills

With former prosecution experience, our firm is well-equipped to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or sentencing alternatives if necessary.

Trial Representation

If your case goes to trial, our skilled litigators can aggressively defend your rights in and out of the courtroom.

Protecting Your Future

Convicted criminals often face harsh penalties and stigmatization, making it essential to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side.

If you’re facing theft crime charges in Houston, our firm can relentlessly defend your rights and reputation. Call (979) 472-3858 to schedule a free consultation.

1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist in Texas
Our Founder Gary Trichter was the 1st Board-Certified DWI Specialist In The State of Texas to earn the designation of “DWI Specialist”.
On The Forefront Of Change
We don't just push the envelope—we redefine its boundaries. We stand on the other side, shaping trends and crafting bold, effective defense strategies.
DWI Defense Powerhouse
We combine professional, aggressive criminal defense with caring, understanding legal counsel.

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