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Theft Offenses

Theft (also referred to as larceny) crimes account for a significant number of alleged criminal offenses in Texas. The classifications of these alleged crimes can range from minor misdemeanors to felony offenses, depending on the value of the property that was allegedly taken.

Alleged offenders in these cases can face criminal charges as the result of honest misunderstandings, such as people thinking they either had permission or legal ownership claims relating to the property involved. Convictions can have extremely long-lasting consequences that may lead to significant hardships concerning employment or housing.

Lawyer for Theft Offenses in Plano, TX

Were you arrested or do you believe that you might by under investigation in Collin County for an alleged theft crime? You should exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will protect your rights and work to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case.

Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Plano who represent individuals all over Collin County, including Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and many other nearby communities. They can provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call 469-304-3422 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.

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Collin County Theft Offenses Information Center

• What constitutes theft in Texas?
• When can alleged victims pursue civil damages for alleged theft offenses?
• Where can I learn more about theft offenses in Collin County?

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Common Theft Offenses in Texas

Texas Penal Code § 31.03 establishes that a person commits a theft offense if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property. 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.

Some of the most common types of alleged theft crimes that The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy handles include, but are not limited to:

• Auto Theft

• Robbery / Aggravated Robbery

• Shoplifting / Retail Theft

• Theft / Larceny

• Theft by Check

• Theft of Services

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Civil Liability for Theft Offenses in Collin County

Title 6, Chapter 134 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code is better known as the Texas Theft Liability Act (TTLA). Under the TTLA, an alleged offender can be civilly liable for damages resulting from an alleged theft offense.

People who commit theft offenses are not only liable for the damages resulting from the thefts under the TTLA, but a parent or other person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child can also be liable for any theft committed by the child. Victims who have sustained damages as the result of a theft are allowed to recover (in addition to court costs and reasonable and necessary attorney's fees):

• The amount of actual damages and additional damages of up to $1,000 from an alleged offender who commits theft; or

• The amount of actual damages and additional damages of up to $5,000 from a person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child.

It is important to understand that if the alleged victims (or plaintiffs) in TTLA claims are unsuccessful, they can be ordered to pay the attorney’s fees of the alleged offender (or defendant).

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Texas Theft Offense Resources

Crime Stoppers | Plano, TX — On this section of the City of Plano website, you can find a link to the North Texas Crime Stoppers. People can submit anonymous crime tips to Crime Stoppers by phone, online, or through text messaging. Learn more about who is and is not eligible for cash rewards.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) | Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority — The Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority was originally established by the 72nd Texas Legislature in 1991, but the agency’s mission was amended by the 80th Legislature, resulting in the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority becoming part of the newly established TxDMV in 2009. Learn more about the educational programs, board of directors, and formal opinion of the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority on this website. You can also access agency publications, reports, and other data.

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The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy | Plano Theft Offenses Defense Attorney

If you think that you could be under investigation or you were already arrested for an alleged theft crime anywhere in Collin County, it will be critical for you to retain legal representation as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Plano criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton aggressively defend clients in Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and many surrounding areas of Collin County. Call 469-304-3422 or submit an online contact form to have our attorneys review your case and help you understand your legal options during a free initial consultation.

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