Many criminal offenses are misdemeanors (convictions that may result in less than a year of jail time), and some are strictly felonies (charges that may result in more than a year of jail time). However, some criminal offenses can be charged as either one depending on the circumstances. Today, we will determine when theft charges become felonies in Texas.
Value of Property
The value of the stolen property is one of the first ways to determine if a theft crime is a misdemeanor or a felony.
A theft charge is one of the following based on the value of the stolen property:
- Less than $100: Class C misdemeanor;
- $100 or more but less than $750: Class B misdemeanor;
- $750 or more but less than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor;
- $2,500 or more but less than $30,000: State jail felony;
- $30,000 or more but less than $150,000: Third-degree felony;
- $150,000 or more but less than $300,000: Second-degree felony; and
- $300,00 or more: First-degree felony.
As you can see, a theft charge can range anywhere from a low misdemeanor to one of the highest felony tiers possible depending on the cost of the item that was stolen. However, the dollar amount value of the stolen property that turns a theft charge into a felony is $2,500 or more.
Have You Been Accused of Theft?
If you or a loved one has been accused of a theft, you have the right to defend your case in a court of law. Hiring the Law Office of John L. Venza Jr can help you fight for your rights against criminal accusations.
Call (281) 817-8737 now for a free consultation concerning your theft case.