Theft & Property Crimes

Being charged with a theft or property crime in Texas can have serious consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. From shoplifting allegations to burglary charges, these offenses can impact your employment, housing opportunities, and personal reputation for years to come. Kent Starr understands the nuances of Texas property crime law and builds defenses that challenge both the evidence and the prosecution's narrative.

Understanding Texas Theft and Property Crime Charges

Texas Penal Code Chapters 30 and 31 cover a wide range of property-related offenses. Chapter 30 addresses burglary, criminal trespass, and related crimes, while Chapter 31 covers theft offenses ranging from petty theft to aggravated theft based on the value of property allegedly stolen or damaged.

Burglary and Criminal Trespass (Penal Code Chapter 30)

Burglary involves entering a building or habitation without consent with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. Criminal trespass occurs when one enters or remains on property after receiving notice that entry is forbidden. Both charges carry significant penalties that increase with aggravating factors.

Theft Offenses (Penal Code Chapter 31)

Theft charges in Texas are primarily classified by the alleged value of property stolen:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Property valued under $100
• Class B Misdemeanor: Property valued between $100 and $750
• Class A Misdemeanor: Property valued between $750 and $2,500
• State Jail Felony: Property valued between $2,500 and $30,000
• Third-Degree Felony: Property valued between $30,000 and $150,000
• Second-Degree Felony: Property valued between $150,000 and $300,000
• First-Degree Felony: Property valued over $300,000

Building a Defense Against Theft and Property Crime Allegations

Effective defense strategies often focus on:

• Challenging the evidence: Questioning whether surveillance footage clearly identifies you, whether witness testimony is reliable, and whether forensic evidence was properly collected and preserved.
• Establishing lack of intent: Many theft offenses require proof of specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of property. If you believed you had permission or were acting under a mistake of fact, this can negate the required mental state.
• Examining procedural errors: Ensuring that proper procedures were followed during arrest, evidence collection, and chain of custody documentation.
• Explaining alternative explanations: Demonstrating that possession of property resulted from a loan, gift, or misunderstanding rather than criminal intent.

Common Defense Strategies in Texas Theft Cases

Kent Starr employs several proven approaches when defending clients against theft and property charges:

1. Value Disputes

Prosecutors must prove the exact value of property allegedly stolen beyond a reasonable doubt. Often, receipts, appraisals, or expert testimony can demonstrate that the prosecution's valuation is inflated or incorrect, potentially reducing the charge severity.

2. Ownership and Permission Claims

3. Mistaken Identity

4. Entrapment and Coercion

Collin County Courts We Serve for Theft and Property Crime Cases

• Collin County Courthouse (McKinney)
• Plano Municipal Court
• Frisco Municipal Court
• Allen Municipal Court
• And various justice of the peace courts throughout Collin County

How We Serve [City] for Theft and Property Crime Cases

While Kent Starr handles theft and property crime cases across North Texas, his approach is tailored to the specific local considerations of each city. Here's how we serve theft and property crime clients in key communities:

McKinney Theft and Property Crime Defense

In McKinney, Kent understands the specific patterns of retail theft that occur around major shopping areas and how local prosecutors typically approach these cases. His familiarity with the McKinney PD's evidence collection procedures and the Collin County justice system allows for effective defense strategies tailored to local enforcement practices.

Plano Theft and Property Crime Defense

Plano's extensive retail corridors, including Legacy West and the Shops at Legacy, create unique theft patterns that Kent has tracked for years. He understands how corporate security departments in Plano typically handle theft incidents and how this interacts with criminal proceedings, allowing for nuanced defense approaches that consider both criminal and civil implications.

Frisco Theft and Property Crime Defense

Frisco's entertainment districts, particularly around The Star and Stonebriar Centre, generate specific theft and property crime patterns that Kent is familiar with. He understands how event-related enforcement affects theft cases and knows which evidence collection methods are reliable in these environments.

Allen Theft and Property Crime Defense

Allen's retail landscape, including the Allen Premium Outlets and Watters Creek, creates distinctive theft allegations that Kent has experience defending against. He understands how these retail environments typically handle theft incidents and how this interacts with the criminal justice system in Collin County.

Schedule Your Free Theft and Property Crime Consultation Today

(214) 982-1408 today to speak with Kent Starr directly about your case. Free initial consultation. Payment plans and credit cards are accepted. Se habla español. Nós falamos português.