• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak

Houston Criminal Lawyer

832.315.6283 book a consultation book a consultation

We Are Open Everyday 24/7

  • About
  • Practice Areas
        • Assault
          • Aggravated Assault
          • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
        • Child Endangerment
        • Credit Card Fraud
        • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • DWI
        • Expungement
        • Fraud
        • Gun Crimes
        • Mental Health Defense
        • Misdemeanors
        • Murder
        • Organized Crime
        • Sex Crimes
          • Sexual Assault
          • Aggravated Kidnapping
          • Indecent Exposure
          • Invasive Visual Recording
          • Prostitution
          • Public Lewdness
          • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
          • Sexual Coercion
          • Voyeurism
        • Sex Crimes (Minors)
          • Sexual Assault of a Child
          • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
          • Child Pornography
          • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
          • Indecency with a Child
          • Indecency With a Child by Contact
          • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
          • Online Solicitation of a Minor
          • Sexting
          • Sexual Performance by a Child
          • Statutory Rape
        • Theft
        • White Collar Crimes
          • Embezzlement
          • Money Laundering
          • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Practice Areas
        • Assault
          • Aggravated Assault
          • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
        • Child Endangerment
        • Credit Card Fraud
        • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • DWI
        • Expungement
        • Fraud
        • Gun Crimes
        • Mental Health Defense
        • Misdemeanors
        • Murder
        • Organized Crime
        • Sex Crimes
          • Sexual Assault
          • Aggravated Kidnapping
          • Indecent Exposure
          • Invasive Visual Recording
          • Prostitution
          • Public Lewdness
          • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
          • Sexual Coercion
          • Voyeurism
        • Sex Crimes (Minors)
          • Sexual Assault of a Child
          • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
          • Child Pornography
          • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
          • Indecency with a Child
          • Indecency With a Child by Contact
          • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
          • Online Solicitation of a Minor
          • Sexting
          • Sexual Performance by a Child
          • Statutory Rape
        • Theft
        • White Collar Crimes
          • Embezzlement
          • Money Laundering
          • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

Houston Theft Defense Attorney

Home Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, TX Houston Theft Defense Attorney

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Have you been arrested on a theft charge in Houston?
  • What is Theft in Texas?
  • Types of Theft Charges in Texas
  • How are Theft Offenses Classified?
  • Theft Crimes Defense Attorney in Houston

Have you been arrested on a theft charge in Houston?

There are many different types of theft offenses in Texas, and the classification and possible penalty vary widely depending upon the specifics of your case. You could be facing jail or prison time, or in some cases the charge may be less serious. In order to understand your rights and make sure you take advantage of any and all defenses available, call Houston criminal defense attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak today.

What is Theft in Texas?

Theft includes many different offenses, some of which were previously known by different names. They include shoplifting, extortion, receiving stolen property, conversion, and others. The essence of the offense of theft is the unlawful taking or exercising control over property, intending to deprive the owner of that property. While this sounds relatively simple, there are countless ways of committing theft, and it can be difficult to understand exactly what you are facing.

CONTACT US FOR A CONSULTATION

Types of Theft Charges in Texas

Here are some of the theft charges contained in Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code::

  • Simple Theft. Taking or exercising control over property that is not yours, without the consent of the owner, is a crime. This includes shoplifting.
  • Possession of Stolen Property. Possession of property knowing it was stolen.
  • Theft of Service. Using deception or other illegal means to acquire labor or professional services, communication or public utility services, lodging, meals, or use of a motor vehicle, constitutes theft of service. It can also include failure to return property after the expiration of a rental agreement.
  • Theft of Trade Secrets. Stealing, copying or transmitting a trade secret is a felony of the third degree.
  • Theft by Check. If you obtain property or services by passing a bad check, it can be used as evidence that you intended to commit theft of that property or service.
  • Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Operation of an automobile (or a boat, plane, or other motorized vehicle) without consent of the owner is a state jail felony.
  • Tampering with Identification Numbers. The mere intentional removal of a serial number or permanent identification mark on personal property, or its sale (or offer for sale), is a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Organized Retail Theft. Possessing, receiving or disposing of stolen retail merchandise, knowing it was stolen, constitutes organized retail theft.
  • Illegal Acquisition of Financial Information. The unauthorized acquisition or transfer of credit card numbers and certain other financial information is a misdemeanor.
  • Cargo Theft. Stealing freight (shipments moving in commerce) is a felony.

These are just some of the theft offenses specifically described in Chapter 31. Others include theft of certain video or information services, possession of tools used for the commission of retail theft, and more. They also include theft by embezzlement (also covered under the fraud laws).

How are Theft Offenses Classified?

If you have been accused of theft, you’ll want to know not only the specifics of the case against you, but also the classification of the charge under Texas law. In the case of theft, that determination will be controlled by different factors depending upon the particular theft charge in your case. Here are some examples:

  • Example 1. Retail theft (shoplifting) of consumer goods, involving property with a value of $500. This is a Class B misdemeanor. If the value of the property was less than $100, it is a Class C misdemeanor, but if you were previously convicted of theft of any type, it is a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Example 2. Theft of a firearm. This is a state jail felony regardless of the value of the weapon.
  • Example 3. Theft of service. This will also depend upon the value of the service stolen. Classifications range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony of the first degree.
  • Example 4. Theft of trade secrets. This is a classified as a felony of the second degree.
  • Example 5. Unauthorized use of an automobile. This is typically the charge in an auto theft case. It is state jail felony.

These examples demonstrate that ascertaining the classification of a particular theft crime may involve multiple issues, which will also affect the potential penalty if you are convicted.

CONTACT US FOR A CONSULTATION

Theft Crimes Defense Attorney in Houston

There are a number of possible defenses to theft charges, including consent, lack of intent to deprive the owner of the property, and others. To obtain an honest assessment of the theft charge you are facing, including the potential penalty and any defenses that may be available, call the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak for your consultation. Find out how we can help with your case.

Primary Sidebar

Schedule a Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak

4115 Canal St
Houston, TX 77003
tel:8323156283
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

We serve Harris County: Katy, Houston, Bellaire, Cypress, Humble, Kingwood, Seabrook, Spring, Tomball, and the surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2025 Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak
Disclaimer Privacy Policy

  • About
  • Practice Areas
    • Assault
      • Aggravated Assault
      • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
    • Child Endangerment
    • Credit Card Fraud
    • Criminal Defense
    • Drug Crimes
    • DWI
    • Expungement
    • Fraud
    • Gun Crimes
    • Mental Health Defense
    • Misdemeanors
    • Murder
    • Organized Crime
    • Sex Crimes
      • Sexual Assault
      • Aggravated Kidnapping
      • Indecent Exposure
      • Invasive Visual Recording
      • Prostitution
      • Public Lewdness
      • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
      • Sexual Coercion
      • Voyeurism
    • Sex Crimes (Minors)
      • Sexual Assault of a Child
      • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
      • Child Pornography
      • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
      • Indecency with a Child
      • Indecency With a Child by Contact
      • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Sexting
      • Sexual Performance by a Child
      • Statutory Rape
    • Theft
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money Laundering
      • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact