Pflugerville Theft Crime Lawyers

Defense Attorneys for Misdemeanor & Felony Theft Crimes

A theft allegation in Pflugerville can turn your life upside down in an instant. Even a minor shoplifting charge has the power to jeopardize your reputation, your job prospects, and your peace of mind. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our never-give-up defense philosophy and decades of combined legal experience drive us to protect your rights from day one. We bring former prosecutors, a former judge, and a relentless commitment to challenging the evidence against you, working tirelessly for the best possible outcome.

Call (512) 359-3743 now to speak with a local theft crime defense attorney in Pflugerville. We serve all of Central Texas and offer a free consultation to get you started.

Defining Theft Under Texas Law

The Texas Penal Code, particularly Section 31.03, outlines theft as unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. This seemingly straightforward definition can encompass a wide range of activities. Whether you’re accused of walking out of a Pflugerville store with unpaid merchandise or manipulating company finances, the State will label it “theft” if there’s an intent to permanently deny the rightful owner the use or benefit of the item or funds.

Local Enforcement in Pflugerville

While the specific code sections apply statewide, Pflugerville’s growing community and active retail sector have prompted local law enforcement to keep a close eye on any sign of theft-related activity. Allegations can surface from big-box retailers, neighborhood boutiques, or even disputes between neighbors. The Pflugerville Police Department and Travis County prosecutors often work hand in hand to build theft cases, which means you need an attorney who knows how these local entities operate and how best to counter their strategies.

What to Do if You’re Accused or Arrested

If the Pflugerville Police Department contacts you, or you’re arrested on suspicion of theft:

• Stay polite, yet firm. Cooperate with basic instructions but avoid making incriminating statements. If you are arrested and read your rights, exercise these. Remain silent and ask for an attorney.
• Only consent to a search with a valid warrant. If law enforcement conducts a search anyway, do not intervene physically. Verbally state that you do not consent to the search. Any evidence discovered during an unlawful search may be excluded as inadmissible (unable to be used against you in court).
• Refrain from talking about your case. Family, friends, and social media are not the place for legal discussions. Keep your commentary to a minimum until you consult an attorney.
• Gather key information. Dates, times, receipts, and witness contact details can be invaluable. Document everything you remember about the incident, and give copies of this information to your attorney.

Remember, law enforcement and prosecutors often move quickly on theft cases, so time is of the essence in putting together an effective defense. Everything you say and do can be used against you, so be sure to follow your attorney’s recommendations through every stage of your case.

Common Types of Theft Offenses

Shoplifting    
This theft crime involves taking merchandise from a store without paying. Although often viewed as a minor offense, repeat or high-value incidents can escalate to serious charges.

Burglary & Vehicle Break-Ins    
Burglary falls under its own set of statutes if you enter a building, habitation, or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime, often theft. Sentences vary widely, depending on property value and whether any aggravating factors, like a weapon, are involved.

Employee Theft or Embezzlement    
White collar theft can range from skimming the cash register to sophisticated embezzlement schemes. Penalties for this theft crime grow steeper with higher dollar amounts.

Receiving Stolen Property    
If you’re found to be in possession of property you “should have known” was stolen, you can face theft charges in Pflugerville. Knowledge or reckless ignorance both play into these cases.

Financial Fraud & Identity Theft    
Using someone else’s identifying information or misappropriating funds electronically might be prosecuted under theft or fraud statutes. These cases can become complex, involving digital forensics and multiple jurisdictions.

Pflugerville, TX Theft Crime Penalties & Classifications

The value of property taken and the circumstances surrounding the offense directly impact the classification and penalties for theft-related offenses in Pflugerville, Texas.

Texas law classifies theft based on the value of the property or services stolen:

• Less than $100 is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
• $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• $750 to $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
• $2,500 to $30,000 is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, plus up to $10,000 in fines.
• Above $30,000 or involving particular circumstances (e.g., livestock, firearms) may be third-, second-, or first-degree felonies, with punishments ranging from 2 years in prison to life, along with significant fines.

Additional factors, such as theft from an elderly individual or a nonprofit organization, can enhance the degree of the offense.

The Lasting Impact of a Theft Conviction

Some mistakenly believe that a “minor” theft offense won’t have real consequences. In reality, even a misdemeanor can create a permanent record that surfaces during background checks. A theft conviction could cause issues with finding employment, and it could affect one’s current career or professional license. Non-citizens may experience visa revocations or removal proceedings if convicted of a theft crime involving moral turpitude.

Smith & Vinson Law Firm: Your Ally Against Theft Charges

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you get more than just a legal representative; you get a bold advocate committed to protecting your future. As former prosecutors, we have unique insight into how the other side operates, enabling us to anticipate tactics. We don’t hesitate to fight in court when it benefits our clients, and your concerns and goals guide our strategy at every phase of the case. Our Pflugerville criminal defense lawyers are here 24/7 for emergencies, ensuring you’re never left in the dark.

Whether you reside in Pflugerville or elsewhere in Travis County, we stand ready to investigate, negotiate, and litigate on your behalf. A theft charge does not have to derail your life if you have the right team in your corner.

Our theft crime lawyers offer powerful and personalized defense strategies, such as:

• Proving Lack of Intent: If you genuinely believed the property was yours or had permission to take it, we may argue that you lacked the “intent to deprive,” a critical element the prosecution must prove.
• Factual Innocence: We have encountered numerous situations where clients were wrongfully charged with theft or other serious crimes. We fight to prove factual innocence, clearing our clients’ names.
• Questioning Value Assessment: Penalties hinge on the property’s value. We may challenge the State’s valuation if it seems inflated or improperly calculated.
• Highlighting Procedural Errors: An unlawful search or a flawed chain of evidence can invalidate the prosecution’s case. We examine every step the police took for missteps that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
• Negotiating Alternatives: In some instances—especially with first-time offenders—there may be an opportunity for deferred adjudication, pre-trial diversion, or a reduction of charges.

In every scenario, our attorneys remain focused on achieving the best outcome for you, whether that’s an outright dismissal or a negotiated resolution that keeps your record clear.

Take Control of Your Defense Today

Dealing with a theft accusation in Pflugerville can be stressful and intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. The longer you wait, the more time the prosecution has to build its case unchallenged. Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm now to start leveling the playing field.

Call (512) 359-3743 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.