Grand Theft
The state of Texas has strict laws concerning theft. If you are accused of stealing in excess of $500, these laws become much more severe, turning into the charge of Grand Theft. A conviction resulting from a grand theft allegation will likely come with extensive jail sentences and hefty fines.
Not only will you be dealing with what will likely be a high level misdemeanor or felony, a conviction will lead to a permanent criminal record. Although all records that prove criminal activity can be damaging, a theft charge is considered a “crime of trust.” From the name, you can ascertain that this will be looked at in a very negative light by individuals or businesses that feel obligated to do a background check. In fact, a theft crime is an automatic disqualification for many industries that require a high level of responsibility and trust in the workers.
Consequently, a grand theft conviction can have extremely adverse effects on your ability to achieve your goals and move forward in life, particularly when it comes to your social, professional and financial health. With this as the case, having a strong advocate at your side in the form of a qualified criminal defense attorney will allow you to focus on defending your name and fighting for your freedom in the most effective manner possible.
Houston Grand Theft Attorney
A grand theft charge needs to be met with swift opposition in the form of a defense strategy that challenges the details of the allegations at their most basic level. Our legal system regarding criminal activities requires the decision makers (i.e. judges, jury) to render a guilty verdict only if the evidence is proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
This aspect of the process makes a defense attorney essential in keeping your freedom. Matt Horak is a Houston criminal defense attorney who has a great deal of experience with individuals accused of grand theft and will bring all of the prior case work to make your defense as air-tight as it possibly can be. His legal understanding makes it possible to make what seems to be a losing situation into one where you are free to walk away from this unfortunate period in your life.
Taking control of every single aspect of your case, Matt offers a comprehensive and detail oriented representation style that identifies the relevant details of your case to develop a strategy that efficiently refutes the criminal charges from every possible direction. His aggressive style proves that the case will be handled in a proactive manner. This adherence to staying one step ahead, coupled with a distinct mission to protect your constitutional rights, has allowed Matt to be an extremely important and effective solution to your legal problems.
Horak Law proudly represents individuals and families throughout Southeastern Texas, including the cities of Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Katy, Sugarland, Baytown, Liberty and Spring, among many others. To schedule a confidential consultation to go over the details of your case with Matt Horak, please call (713) 225-8000 or send an online message today.
Grand Theft under Texas Law
Starting with the basic definition, the Texas Penal Code denotes theft in §31.03 and states that a person commits the offense of theft if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property. Furthermore, appropriation of property is unlawful if:
- It is without the owners 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 actors appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
As stated earlier, grand theft in Texas refers t the theft of property with a value in excess of $500. All cases are not lumped into one charge, though. There are two areas of grand theft: misdemeanor grand theft and felony grand theft.
If the value of the stolen goods was in excess of $500 but $1500 or less, the individuals will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, a Class A misdemeanor brings a possible sentence of up to 1 year in jail and / or a maximum fine of $4,000.
For any amount over $1,500, the theft becomes a felony offense. There are three categories of felony grand theft: first, second and third degree.
Starting with the least severe, a third degree grand theft charge will be pursued if the value of the stolen goods was between $1,500 and $100,000. A third degree felony comes with a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and / or a fine of up to $10,000.
A second-degree grand theft allegation will be pursued if the value of the stolen good was between $100,000 and $200,000. A second-degree felony conviction will allow for the possibility to be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and / or fines of up to $10,000.
A first degree grand theft charge will be pursued if the stolen goods were valued in excess of $200,000. A first degree felony comes with a possible sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison and / or a fine of up to $10,000.
Horak Law | Harris County Grand Theft Arrest Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with grand theft in Southeastern Texas, now is the time to work with a qualified Houston criminal defense attorney who can effectively represent you during this difficult time. Matt Horak has a great deal of experience in theft cases and will draw form this previous work to develop a strategy that refutes the allegations in a concise and efficient manner.
Horak Law proudly represents individuals and families throughout Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Liberty County, Brazoria County. For those who are currently under criminal investigation, Matt offers confidential initial consultation to go over the details of your pending case. To schedule a time to sit down with Matt Horak, please call (713) 225-8000 or send an online message today.