Theft Attorney in Tarrant County
The term theft can apply to a wide range of crimes in Texas. Many of these offenses carry very serious criminal penalties. The right theft defense lawyer can protect your rights. In addition to possible fines and imprisonment if convicted, alleged offenders also face the prospect of having a shameful mark on their criminal records that can impact later attempts to obtain employment or gain acceptance into colleges.
In some cases, alleged offenders can face theft charges as the result of honest misunderstandings or complete accidents. Anybody who has been accused of theft in Texas should be sure to exercise their right to remain silent until they have legal representation.
Fort Worth and Tarrant County Theft Defense Lawyer
Have you been accused of taking another party’s property without consent? Even if the alleged offense has been classified as a misdemeanor, it is still in your best interest to take these allegations seriously.
The Fort Worth theft defense lawyers of Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC fight to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed for clients in Weatherford, Arlington, Cleburne, and surrounding communities in North Central Texas. Let us review your case and discuss your legal options by calling (817) 502-3600 right now to set up a completely free initial consultation.
Tarrant County Theft Crimes Information Center
- When might a person be charged with one of these offenses?
- Can alleged victims seek additional monetary damages from alleged offenders?
- Where can I learn more about these crimes?
Possible Theft Charges in Texas
Under Section 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits a theft if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Appropriation of property is considered unlawful if:
- It is without the owner’s effective consent;
- The property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
- 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.
Several different additional factors can determine the specific criminal charge an alleged offender will face. Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC handles a variety of theft cases, including:
- Theft of Property;
- Shoplifting;
- Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle;
- Burglary of a Motor Vehicle;
- Theft of Firearms;
- Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property;
- Theft of Services;
- Theft by Check;
- Robbery; and
- Embezzlement.
Texas Theft Liability Act
In addition to possible criminal penalties for alleged theft, alleged offenders could also face possible civil penalties.
Under the Texas Theft Liability Act in Title 6, Chapter 134 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a person who commits theft is liable for the damages resulting from the theft. Parents or other people with the duty of control and reasonable discipline of children can also be liable for theft committed by children.
Alleged victims are able to file lawsuits against alleged offenders to recover either:
- The amount of actual damages and additional damages of up to $1,000 from a person who commits theft; or
- The amount of actual damages and additional damages of up to $5,000 from a person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child.
While some alleged victims may not follow through with threatened lawsuits, the possibility of civil liability is another reason to make sure that you have legal counsel.
Tarrant County Resources for Theft Offenses
Texas Penal Code | Title 7, Chapter 31 — You can find definitions and state laws relating to theft crimes in this section of the Penal Code. Statutes explain how value is calculated, when amounts can be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense, and previously known theft now consolidated under the broader theft definition.
Kleptomania | Mayo Clinic — Kleptomania is defined as the inability to resist impulses to steal. While this is a rare condition, you can learn more about it on this website. You can find information about some of the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kleptomania.
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth, TX
If you were arrested or are currently being investigated for an alleged theft crime in Texas, you should not delay in obtaining legal representation from an experienced theft defense lawyer. The attorneys at Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC represent clients on theft crimes throughout Tarrant County, Texas, including Fort Worth and Arlington.
Our theft defense lawyers are familiar with the tactics used by local law enforcement agencies throughout Tarrant County, TX, including the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County Constable’s Office.
We also represent clients after an arrest by any of the city police departments in Tarrant County, Parker County and Johnson County. Nearly every city in Tarrant County maintains its own police force, including: the Arlington Police Department, the Forest Hill Police Department, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Hurst Police Department, and the Mansfield Police Department.
We also represent clients facing criminal charges throughout Tarrant County, Parker County, Johnson County, and the surrounding areas of North Central Texas.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have over 45 years of combined legal experience fighting both misdemeanor and felony theft charges. You can have them provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (817) 502-3600 or submit an online form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.