Theft Crimes

A person commits a theft offense in Texas if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Texas Penal Code § 31.02 consolidated separate offenses previously known as theft, theft by false pretext, conversion by a bailee, theft from the person, shoplifting, acquisition of property by threat, swindling, swindling by worthless check, embezzlement, extortion, receiving or concealing embezzled property, and receiving or concealing stolen property into the single offense of theft as defined under Texas Penal Code § 31.03.

Theft crimes in Texas may be a misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending on the value of the property involved as well as the alleged offender’s prior criminal record. In addition to possible incarceration and fines, alleged offenders could also be subject to civil penalties.

Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX

If you were arrested or think that you could be under investigation for any kind of alleged theft offense in Denton County, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defend clients in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Little Elm, The Colony, Argyle, and many other surrounding areas of Denton County.‍

Denton criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (940) 222-8004 today to have our attorneys review your case and answer all of your legal questions during a free initial consultation.

Types of Theft Crimes in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code § 31.03(b), appropriation of property is considered unlawful if:

  • it is without the owner’s effective consent;
  • the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
  • property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.

Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy handles a wide variety of alleged theft offenses in Denton County, including:

  • Theft / Larceny
  • Theft by Check
  • Theft of Services

robber breaking into a house

Theft Crime Liability in Denton County

The Texas Theft Liability Act (TTLA), established under Title 6, Chapter 134 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, allows the alleged victims of theft offenses to file civil causes of action against the alleged offenders for damages resulting from any alleged theft. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 134.003 establishes that a person who commits theft is liable for the damages resulting from the theft, and a parent or other person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child is liable for theft committed by the child. 

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 134.005, any person who has sustained damages resulting from theft may recover:

  • under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 134.003(a), from a person who commits theft, the amount of actual damages found by the trier of fact and, in addition to actual damages, damages awarded by the trier of fact in a sum not to exceed $1,000; or
  • from a parent or other person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child, for an action brought under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 134.003(b), the amount of actual damages found by the trier of fact, not to exceed $5,000.

Victims who have sustained damages as the result of a theft can also recover court costs and reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees. Alleged victims (or plaintiffs) can be ordered to pay the attorney’s fees of alleged offenders (or defendants), however, if their TTLA claims are unsuccessful.

Texas Resources for Theft Arrests

Police | City of Denton — Visit this section of the Denton Police Department website to submit an online citizen police report relating to a theft crime. After submitting an online report, you can print a copy for your records. If the incident is considered an emergency, then you should call 911.

Denton Police Department

601 E. Hickory St.
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-8181

Crime Stoppers | Denton County, Texas — The Crime Stoppers program offers cash rewards to persons providing anonymous information that leads to the arrest of criminals and fugitives. You can call or submit tips online or by text message. You can also view a list of the most wanted suspects in Denton County.

Denton County Crime Stoppers

Denton County Sheriff’s Office<
127 N. Woodrow Lane
Denton, Texas 76205
(940) 349-1549

Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Theft Crimes Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy

Do you believe that you might be under investigation or were you already arrested in Denton County for any kind of alleged theft offense? Do not say anything to authorities until you have contacted the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy.

Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Denton who represent individuals all over Denton County, including Little Elm, Lewisville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Argyle, The Colony, and several other nearby communities. You can have our lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (940) 222-8004 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.