Theft Penal Code Texas: Everything You Need to Know

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Theft Penal Code Texas: Everything You Need to Know

What is Theft in Texas?

Theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. It is a serious crime in Texas, and the penalties can vary depending on the value of the property stolen.

Degrees of Theft in Texas

Texas law classifies theft into four degrees, based on the value of the property stolen:

Degree	Value of Property Stolen
Theft	Less than $2,500
Theft of Property Between $2,500 and $30,000	$2,500 to $30,000
Theft of Property Over $30,000	More than $30,000
Theft of a Firearm	Any value

Penalties for Theft in Texas

The penalties for theft in Texas vary depending on the degree of the crime.

Degree	Possible Penalties
Theft	Fine up to $4,000, jail up to 1 year, or both
Theft of Property Between $2,500 and $30,000	Fine up to $10,000, jail up to 2 years, or both
Theft of Property Over $30,000	Fine up to $10,000, jail up to 10 years, or both
Theft of a Firearm	Fine up to $10,000, jail up to 20 years, or both

Defenses to Theft

There are several defenses that can be raised to a charge of theft in Texas, including:

theft penal code texas

Lack of intent: The defendant did not intend to steal the property.
Mistake of fact: The defendant mistakenly believed that the property was theirs or that they had a right to take it.
Duress: The defendant was forced to steal the property by threats of harm.
Entrapment: The defendant was induced to steal the property by law enforcement officers.

Theft Statistics in Texas

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were over 400,000 reported cases of theft in Texas in 2020. The total value of property stolen was over $1 billion.

Tips to Prevent Theft

There are several things you can do to prevent theft, including:

Lock your doors and windows when you are away.
Keep your valuables in a safe place.
Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Mark your property with a unique identifier, such as an engraving or a permanent marker.
Get insurance to cover your property in case it is stolen.

Conclusion

Theft is a serious crime in Texas, and the penalties can be severe. If you have been charged with theft, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal options.