Theft Arrest Lawyer in Austin, Texas
Theft Arrests and Theft related charges, such as Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests have routinely been one of the most numerous types of arrest and criminal conviction throughout the United States, ranging from a small amount of Theft to just under an ounce, and even larger.Theft Arrests, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests continue to wreak havoc on the American public, and not just college students or young adults. Theft Arrests, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests can lead to jail time, probation, and costly fines if the criminal arrest and charges are not dealt with quickly and aggressively by a qualified defense attorney or lawyer familiar with the Theft laws of your particular state.
But beware, even a minor offense for Theft Arrests, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests can quickly become a serious felony charge depending on the facts of the case and the amount stolen. This leads to the district attorney filing charges for aggrevated or felony Theft, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud rather than a less serious charge of a misdemeanor theft, often times forcing the defendant to go to a criminal jury trial against a trumped up charge. An experienced attorney can argue and defend against such criminal charges concerning thefts, helping you defend against the allegations.
An experienced and seasoned lawyer familiar with Theft Arrests, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests knows how to file and argue motions based on Violations of your Search and Seizure Rights, meaning that if police officers invade your privacy and conduct an illegal search, your lawyer can challenge the search in court. A successful motion to supress evidence or supress an involuntary confession can lead to an outright dismissal where officers illegally searched or obtained an involuntary confession in violation of your Miranda Rights or the Right to Remain Silent.
- Theft & Crimes of Moral Turpitude -
Moral turpitude is the terms for a legal idea meaning "conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals." The concept of moral turpitude can be used to identify or describe certain crimes that involve an "act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellowmen, or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and man."
The specific crimes or arrests that are deemed Crimes of Moral Turpitude has significance in several areas of law, especially for those arrested for an offense considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude. First, prior conviction of a crime of moral turpitude (or in some jurisdictions, moral turpitude conduct, even without a conviction) is considered to have a bearing on the honesty of a person, especially if that person is a witness in other legal proceedings. A conviction (and in some areas, a mere arrest) may be grounds to deny or revoke a professional license such as a teaching credential, license to practice law, or other licensed profession that is regulated by the state or federal government. Lastly, it is of great importance for immigration purposes, as offenses defined as involving moral turpitude are considered bars to immigration into the U.S.
In most jurisdictions, a Theft Arrest or Arrest involving taking anothers property permanantly, is considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude, meaning an arrested for Theft or Theft realted offenses need to be taken care of by a qualified attorney or lawyer as soon as possible, in an effort to reduce or dismiss the charge from the person's record.
- Theft & Larceny Laws Across the United States -
Theft Possession Laws vary state to state, ranging from a slap on the wrist fine to years in state prison as penalty or punishment. Because each state is free to set the punishments and penalties within the state lines, there is a wide discrepancy in Theft law across the United States of America.
Contrast Texas and California's Theft Law with Texas's Theft Law. In Texas, a Class B theft is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. Misdemeanor Theft in greater amounts, meaning the value of what is stolen exceeds a set limit, is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. In California, a petty theft is an amount less than $400, although the law may soon be changing to increase that value. Thefts over $400 can become Felony Theft. The penalties and punishments increase as the amount or value of stolen property increases.
Do I Need a Theft Lawyer for a Theft Charge or Arrest?
Theft Arrests, Shoplifting, Retail Theft, Auto Theft, Burgalry, and Fraud Arrests can be a negative factor when considering your criminal record, court dates, court ordered rehabilitation programs, and fines. In most states, even misdemeanor convictions for theft result in what is known as a Crime of Mortal Turpitude, meaning a theft related conviction can stop you from obtaining licensing for businesses or occupations (such as teachers or beauty salons). A Crime of Moral Turpitude also means that a conviction may be ineligable for expungement (clearing your criminal record in the future), ineligable for immigration purposes, and can even stop you from civil duties, such as serving on a jury. It is always best to speak with a lawyer to go over your options and choose how to proceed.
Serving Austin Texas and surrounding areas of Travis County, including San Marcos, Hays County, & Blanco County.
