Houston Theft Crimes Attorney

Experienced Burglary Defense Lawyer Serving Houston

The crimes of Theft, Robbery, Aggravated Robbery and Burglary are very serious crimes in Texas. These property crimes and crimes of violence are found in Sections 29.02, 29.03, 30.02, and 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code. These crimes can carry significant penalties according to Houston Theft Crimes Attorney James Alston. Some of the most common theft and robbery crimes prosecuted in Texas include:

Robbery and Aggravated Robbery

Robbery is defined under Section 29.02 of the Texas Penal Code. A robbery occurs when a person “intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death” or “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another” during the commission of a theft. Robbery is charged as a second-degree felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

Aggravated Robbery is defined under Section 29.03 of the Texas Penal Code. An aggravated robbery is charged when a robbery occurs, and the person committing the robbery is charged with causing serious bodily injury to another person or, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the robbery or, causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death and the other person is 65 years of age or older or a disabled person. An aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Burglary

Defined under Section 30.02 of the Texas Penal Code, burglary involves “the unlawful entering of a building or habitation with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault.” In most cases, a burglary of a habitation is charged as a second-degree felony, and a burglary of a building is charged as a state jail felony.

Bank Robbery

Can be charged as a state or federal crime, or both. It is imperative that if you are accused of bank robbery in Texas, you consult with a criminal defense attorney who can represent you at both the state and federal levels because very often, a person who is alleged to have committed a bank robbery is charged in state court and then the charges are transferred to federal court. The two cases are independent of each other and must be handled efficiently to protect your rights and your freedom.

Shoplifting

According to Texas law, all theft offenses, including shoplifting, are consolidated under Penal Code Section 31.03. The penalties for shoplifting and other theft offenses depend on the value of the property stolen. The charges can range from a low-level misdemeanor to a serious felony.

Charged With Theft Or Robbery? Contact Our Houston Theft Crimes Attorney James Alston Today.

If you have been charged with theft, robbery, aggravated robbery, or burglary in Texas, your first call should be to a knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney who will fight the charges against you. It is essential to have aggressive legal representation at all your court appearances. As a former prosecutor, James Alston knows the means and methods that prosecutors use to seek convictions. James Alston uses this knowledge and experience to prepare a strong defense for his clients with the goal of getting the case reduced or dismissed. Contact Houston Theft Crimes Attorney James Alston today for a consultation.