Dallas Theft Attorney
MARK A. PEREZ, ATTORNEY AT LAW
If you are charged with theft, you may be facing five years to life imprisonment depending on the amounts involved in the theft. That’s why working with an experienced theft attorney is essential to make a critical difference in your case.
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PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR LIBERTY
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Understanding Theft Charges Under Texas Law
Texas theft laws are primarily governed by the Texas Penal Code, and they cover a wide range of conduct beyond what many people traditionally think of as “stealing.” Theft can involve unlawfully appropriating property, services, or money with the intent to deprive the owner of it, even when no force or violence is used. This distinction is especially important when evaluating robbery vs theft or burglary vs theft, as robbery requires proof of force or threat, while theft does not.
The seriousness of a theft charge is determined largely by the theft amount, prior convictions, and the type of property allegedly taken. Many individuals are surprised to learn how much theft is a felony, as even relatively modest dollar values can result in felony charges if certain aggravating factors are present. Understanding how prosecutors classify theft offenses is critical to building an effective defense strategy early in the case.
As with many criminal charges, these kinds of offenses have far-reaching implications for a personal or professional life. As such, retaining the most experienced theft lawyer you can find is absolutely critical. If you live in Dallas, Texas, or the surrounding area, Mark A. Perez, Attorney at Law is an excellent choice.
Who Can Face Felony Theft Charges in Texas and What Penalties Apply?
Felony theft charges in Texas are categorized by degree, with penalties increasing based on the alleged value of the property or services. State jail felonies, third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, and first-degree felonies each carry distinct sentencing ranges, fines, and long-term consequences. A conviction can result not only in incarceration but also lasting damage to employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing eligibility, and immigration status.
Since the felony theft amount thresholds are strictly enforced, even valuation errors by law enforcement or the prosecution can significantly impact the level of charge. A skilled theft attorney can challenge how property value is calculated, whether ownership was properly established, and whether the evidence actually supports a felony-level offense. In some cases, effective advocacy can result in reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
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Facing Theft Charges? A Theft Attorney Can Help
Prosecutorial Insight That Strengthens the Defense
Having insight into how theft cases are evaluated and charged from the prosecution’s side can be a decisive advantage. Prosecutors often rely on financial records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and assumptions about intent to build their cases. However, intent is not presumed under the law and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
A seasoned Dallas theft attorney understands how prosecutors prioritize cases, where they may overreach, and which weaknesses are most effective to challenge. This includes identifying gaps in the chain of custody, improper reliance on circumstantial evidence, or unlawful searches and seizures that may justify suppression of evidence. Working with an experienced theft attorney Dallas can make the difference between facing felony theft charges or having the case reduced.
When I worked as a Dallas County district attorney I superficially focused on prosecuting extremely complex theft crimes. This experience combined with over 35 years of criminal law practice gives me a comprehensive knowledge of theft issues. As such, I am ready to do everything possible to help you work toward an ideal resolution if you or a loved one has been charged with:
- Theft of property
- Unauthorized use of motor vehicle
- Auto theft
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- Securing of execution document by deception
- Criminal mischief
- Criminal trespassing
Many theft cases involve overlapping or closely related offenses, which can lead to confusion about what a defendant is facing. For example, burglary vs theft is a common point of misunderstanding. Burglary typically involves unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime, while theft focuses on the unlawful taking itself. Being charged with one does not automatically mean guilt of the other, and the distinction matters greatly for sentencing exposure.
Similarly, individuals accused of theft-related conduct are sometimes improperly charged when the dispute is civil rather than criminal in nature. Contract disagreements, employer-employee conflicts, or shared ownership situations can be mischaracterized as criminal theft. An experienced theft lawyer can assess whether the allegations truly meet the legal elements required for prosecution.
After undertaking the discovery that these cases require, I am committed to working toward outright acquittal or mitigation of consequences. If there is any evidence that can be contested or the police violated your rights, I am able to aggressively attack any weakness in their case.
How a Dallas Theft Attorney Handles Felony Theft Cases
Every theft case requires a tailored defense approach. Depending on the facts, defense strategies may focus on lack of intent, mistaken identity, consent by the alleged owner, or improper valuation of the property involved. In felony cases, even a small reduction in alleged value can result in a significantly lower charge.
In addition to contesting the prosecution’s evidence, a knowledgeable theft attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for dismissals, charge reductions, or diversion programs when appropriate. Early intervention often plays a key role in shaping these outcomes, particularly before formal charges are finalized.
Talk to An Experienced Theft Defense Attorney
A theft conviction can have consequences that extend well beyond sentencing. Background checks, professional credentialing boards, and employers often view theft-related convictions as crimes involving moral turpitude. For individuals with prior records, subsequent theft charges may escalate rapidly to felony status, even when the alleged dollar amount is relatively low.
I am a theft defense lawyer with an excellent record of achieving favorable results for clients charged with theft crimes. I am compassionate, respectful and nonjudgmental, and I will take the time to listen carefully to your story. I want to understand your concerns, so we can work together to develop a strategy that meets your needs.
Se habla español. For a free consultation with me, Mark Perez, call 214-752-0505 or send me an email.
