People who have been arrested for property crimes in Texas may be confused about the differences between theft, robbery, and burglary. Although these crimes are similar, they are actually quite different and can carry different penalties. If you have been charged with a property crime in Texas, it is important to understand the nuances of these crimes so that you can know what to expect and how to defend yourself.

What Is Theft?

Theft is defined as taking something that does not belong to you without the owner's consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the thing taken. Additionally, theft can also occur when someone obtains services without paying or by deception. For example, if you go into a store and take an item off the shelf without paying for it, you have committed theft. If you order a meal at a restaurant and then leave without paying, you have committed theft. If you lie about your identity in order to obtain services that you would not otherwise be entitled to, you have committed theft. 

In Texas, theft is classified as a misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen was under $2,500. A person may be charged with a state jail felony if they are accused of stealing property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 or a firearm or had two previous theft convictions. Theft of property worth $30,000 to $150,000 is a third-degree felony, theft of $150,000 to $300,000 is a second-degree felony, and theft of over $300,000 is a first-degree felony.