Theft Crime Attorney in Angleton

Defending Theft Charges in Brazoria County Since 2010

A theft charge in Texas moves fast. Whether it’s a misdemeanor shoplifting accusation or a felony theft allegation, the decisions made in the earliest days of a case can shape everything that follows. At BTR Law, we represent clients facing theft charges in Angleton and throughout Brazoria County, appearing regularly in the Brazoria County Criminal Justice Center and in the county courts where these cases are heard.

Texas uses “theft” as the statutory term for what many people call larceny. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 31, a single statute covers shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, and receiving stolen property. Even a misdemeanor conviction can produce a permanent criminal record that follows a person into job applications and housing searches. Getting a defense attorney involved early matters because counsel may be able to present mitigating evidence to prosecutors before charging decisions are finalized.

Theft Offenses We Handle in Angleton & Brazoria County

Texas Penal Code Chapter 31 covers a broad range of conduct under a single theft statute. The charge isn’t determined by how property was taken but primarily by its value. Our criminal defense team handles the full range of theft-related offenses, including:

• Shoplifting: retail theft cases at every value level, from Class C misdemeanors to felony-tier charges
• Embezzlement: theft by an employee or person in a position of trust over funds or property
• Fraud-based theft: unlawful appropriation through deception or misrepresentation
• Receiving stolen property: a theft offense under Texas law even when the defendant didn’t directly take anything from the owner
• Vehicle theft: prosecuted as general theft under Chapter 31 and graded by the vehicle’s value
• Firearm theft: automatically classified as a state jail felony regardless of the weapon’s market value
• Burglary: a distinct felony offense under Section 30.02 requiring unlawful entry with intent to commit theft, a felony, or assault

Texas Theft Penalty Tiers

The value of the property determines the charge level and which court handles the case. Misdemeanor theft cases are heard in Brazoria County Courts at Law. Felony theft cases proceed in Brazoria County District Court in Angleton.

• Class C misdemeanor: property under $100; fine up to $500, no jail time
• Class B misdemeanor: $100 to less than $750; up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
• Class A misdemeanor: $750 to less than $2,500; up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine
• State jail felony: $2,500 to less than $30,000; 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine
• Third-degree felony: $30,000 to less than $150,000; two to ten years in prison
• Second-degree felony: $150,000 to less than $300,000; two to twenty years in prison
• First-degree felony: $300,000 or more; five to 99 years or life in prison

Certain aggravating factors can push a charge into a higher tier. Under Texas Penal Code Section 31.03, targeting an elderly victim, prior theft convictions, being a public servant whose position provided access to the property, and conduct during the theft, such as triggering or defeating a retail theft detector, can all elevate the classification and the potential sentence.

What a Theft Conviction Can Cost Beyond the Courtroom

Sentencing is only part of the picture. A theft conviction creates a permanent criminal record that background check services surface for employers, landlords, and licensing boards. Pre-employment screenings flag shoplifting, burglary, and related offenses, and a record can close doors in fields that require professional licenses. Housing applications frequently screen for theft convictions as well.

Theft is often characterized as a crime of moral turpitude, which can carry immigration consequences for non-citizens beyond any criminal penalty. In some cases, deferred adjudication (a form of probation that, if completed successfully, avoids a formal conviction) may open a path to petitioning for nondisclosure of the record under Texas law, limiting what appears on background checks. Whether these options are available depends entirely on the facts of the case, and we evaluate them for clients we represent.

How We Approach Theft Defense in Texas

Texas Penal Code Chapter 31 requires the prosecution to prove both an unlawful taking and an intent to deprive the owner of their property. Challenging either element can be enough to defeat the charge. We independently review police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements to identify procedural errors or evidentiary weaknesses before building a strategy.

Depending on the facts, defenses may include:

• Lack of intent: if the prosecution can’t establish that the defendant meant to deprive the owner, the charge may not hold
• Claim of right: a defendant who genuinely believed the property was theirs to take may negate the unlawful-taking element
• Consent: evidence that the owner permitted the defendant to take or use the property can defeat the charge entirely
• Mistake of fact: Texas law recognizes this defense when the defendant reasonably believed facts that, if true, would have made the conduct lawful
• Unlawful search and seizure: evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case

We also evaluate available alternatives, including plea bargaining and diversion programs. Retaining a theft crime attorney before charges are formally filed preserves options that close once the charging process is complete.

Why Angleton Clients Choose BTR Law

BTR Law has been serving Angleton and Brazoria County since 2010. Our attorneys appear regularly in the Brazoria County Criminal Justice Center and in the courts where theft cases are resolved at every level. That consistent local presence translates into working knowledge of how prosecutors, court staff, and investigators operate here. It includes the informal benchmarks that shape how charges are filed, how bail is set, and whether diversion is offered.

Our full team brings nearly 100 years of combined legal experience across practice areas, and theft defense clients receive the support of our investigators and administrative staff throughout the case. Founded by Brooks Bass, Shannon Tigner, and Patton Ritter, the firm was built around thorough preparation and straightforward client communication.

Talk to a Theft Defense Attorney Today

If you or someone you know is facing a theft charge in Angleton or Brazoria County, time matters. Contact BTR Law to schedule a confidential consultation. We can review the charge, explain what the process looks like in Brazoria County courts, and discuss the defense options available based on the specific facts of your case.

Call BTR Law at (979) 316-7133 to speak with a theft crime attorney serving Angleton and the surrounding communities.