Beaumont Theft Crime Lawyer

Beaumont Theft Crime Attorney

A theft charge can put your freedom and reputation at risk. A conviction can come with serious penalties and affect your employment and relationships. A Beaumont theft crime lawyer can protect your rights, defend against your charges, and help mitigate the penalties of a theft charge in Beaumont, Texas.

Renick Law Firm, PLLC, is a team of trusted criminal defense attorneys backed by real courtroom experience in Southeast Texas. We believe in a strong commitment to protecting our clients facing serious criminal accusations in Beaumont and its surrounding communities. Whether you have been accused of a theft near Calder Avenue, along College Street, or elsewhere in Beaumont, we are here to fight for your future.

What Is Theft Under Texas Law?

Crime remains a serious concern nationwide, with an estimated 5,986,400 property crime offenses happening in the United States in 2024, based on reported data from the FBI.

Under theft crime laws, a theft occurs when a person unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of it, as defined by Texas Penal Code §31.03.

Texas recognizes multiple forms of theft depending on how property is taken, including:

• Theft by unlawful taking or control without consent
• Theft by deception when false statements or misrepresentations are used
• Theft by receiving stolen property

If you are facing allegations under any of these categories, Renick Law Firm, PLLC can examine the details of your case and explain your legal options.

Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Theft

According to the Insurance Information Institute, 850,708 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States in 2024 alone. Vehicle theft is one of the most common types of theft crimes happening in the nation.

In Texas, theft is charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the offense. State law categorizes misdemeanor theft as involving lower-value property, which may result in fines or jail time. Felony theft involves higher values or special circumstances and can lead to state prison sentences and lasting criminal records.

Examples of classes of misdemeanor theft in Texas include:

• Theft of property valued under $100 – Class C misdemeanor
• Theft of property valued between $100 and $750 – Class B misdemeanor
• Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500 – Class A misdemeanor

Examples of classes of felony theft in Texas include:

• Theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 – State jail felony
• Theft of property valued at $30,000 but less than $150,000 – Third degree felony
• Theft of property valued at $150,000 but less than $300,000 – Second degree felony
• Theft of property valued at $300,000 or more – First degree felony

If you are unsure about the theft charges you might be facing, contact an experienced Beaumont theft crime attorney for a free consultation today. Understanding your case allows the team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, to pursue strategies to reduce or challenge your charges.

Consequences of a Theft Conviction in Beaumont

In 2024, Texas recorded an overall rate of approximately 2,040 property crimes per 100,000 residents, according to data compiled by the Texas Uniform Crime Data Reporting (UCR) program. Although theft may seem common, state prosecutors aggressively pursue theft charges.

A theft conviction in Beaumont can affect employment opportunities, housing options, and your reputation. Understanding your charges and the potential consequences is crucial in deciding how to proceed with a defense strategy. Texas courts impose penalties based on offense level, prior convictions, and aggravating factors.

Consequences under state law may include:

• Fines, probation, or incarceration
• Permanent criminal records
• Enhanced punishment for repeat offenses

If you are facing these risks, hire a theft crime lawyer from Renick Law Firm, PLLC. Our seasoned legal team understands how local Jefferson County courts handle theft crime cases and works to defend your reputation and your freedom.

Why You Should Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer

Understanding what to do after a theft arrest in Beaumont matters. Speaking with law enforcement without an experienced attorney can weaken your defense. A Beaumont theft crime lawyer helps protect your position from the start by reviewing evidence, challenging unlawful procedures, and guiding you through each stage of the criminal process.

The team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, brings proven local experience and courtroom insight to theft defense cases in Beaumont and its surrounding communities. Our firm has served Southeast Texas for decades, and our founder, Scott Renick, is a former Texas prosecutor and has served as the Board President for The Garth House, a non-profit supporting vulnerable children in the Beaumont area. He is dedicated to helping those in our community when they need it most.

FAQs

How Do You Get Theft Charges Dropped in Texas?

You can get theft charges dropped in Texas if there is insufficient evidence, unlawful police conduct, or a lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Successful outcomes often depend on early investigation, witness review, and challenging how the evidence was obtained. An experienced attorney can investigate the details of your unique case and determine your available options for a solid defense strategy.

What Is the 3-Felony Three Strikes Rule in Texas?

The three-felony three strikes rule in Texas is a law that allows enhanced penalties for repeat felony offenders under the habitual offender statutes. If a person has prior felony convictions, sentencing ranges may increase for subsequent felony charges according to Texas Penal Code §12.42, and can turn lower-level felonies into lengthy prison sentences.

How Do You Prove Theft in Beaumont, Texas?

To prove theft in Beaumont, Texas, prosecutors must show that a person unlawfully took property with the intention to deprive the owner of it. Evidence may include surveillance footage, witness testimony, ownership records, or statements. Each element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and an experienced Beaumont theft crime attorney can challenge the state’s case and fight for your freedom and reputation.

Contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC, Today

Renick Law Firm, PLLC has provided trusted legal representation to individuals and families in Beaumont and Southeast Texas for years, with a focus on thorough preparation and client advocacy. If you are facing theft charges and need experienced legal guidance, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and speak directly with a team that understands Texas criminal law and local courts.