The general category of property crimes includes offenses that involve damaging, tampering with, or stealing another person's property. While theft is one of the most common property crimes, there are other related crimes that may be charged in addition to or instead of theft. It is important for criminal defendants who have been accused of property crimes to understand the Texas laws that may apply to them, including the specific offenses they are being charged with and the potential penalties of a conviction. If you are in this situation, a criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and provide effective representation as you defend against property crime charges.
Offenses Against Property in Texas
While many property crimes will involve stealing property or otherwise depriving the owner of the right to own and possess property that is rightfully theirs, some offenses may involve damage to property or entering property illegally. Some common charges that may apply in these situations include:
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Trespassing - This offense, which is referred to as "criminal trespass" in Texas, involves entering or remaining on another person's property without their consent. Trespassing may take place on private or commercial property, agricultural land, in buildings, or in airplanes or other vehicles. If a person received notice that they were not allowed to enter a property (such as a "no trespassing" sign), or if they were asked to leave a property but refused to do so, they may face criminal charges. In most cases, criminal trespass is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, and a conviction may result in a sentence of up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.
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