Houston Auto Theft Defense Lawyers
Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights, Freedom and Future
How Is Auto Theft Charged in Texas?
From
a legal standpoint, there is no charge for “Auto Theft” or “Grand Theft
Auto” because all theft crimes are charged as either misdemeanors or
felonies based on the value of the item or items stolen. Since most cars
or trucks are worth at least $1,500, it is most likely that you would
be charged for a felony offense for stealing a car or other motor
vehicle. However, even being charged with stealing an old clunker worth
less than $1,500 is a serious misdemeanor crime because any theft
conviction of your record can result in the loss of a job or not being
able to work in certain professions which require a professional
license.
Contact Houston Criminal Defense Attorney James Sullivan at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.
Is Auto Theft Charged as a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
If
the value of the motor vehicle stolen is worth $1,500 or more, you will
be charged with a felony offense and will face time in jail, state jail
or prison if you are convicted. Depending on the value of the motor
vehicle stolen, you will be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense:
- The value is $50 or more but less than $500 (class B misdemeanor)
- The value is $500 or more but less than $1,500 (class A misdemeanor)
- The value is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 (State Jail Felony)
- The value is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 (3rd Degree Felony)
- The loss is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000 (2nd Degree Felony)
- The loss is $200,000 or more (1st Degree Felony)
If you are charged with a felony, it may be possible for your defense
attorney to investigate and present a winning defense at the grand jury
level. If successful, this is usually the best way to win a felony
case because if the grand jury votes to no bill the case then you have
the immediate right to seek an expunction
of the charge from your record. Time is of the essence to take this
approach because prosecutors either seek an indictment from the grand
jury before an arrest warrant is issued or between the first and second
court settings. If an experienced defense attorney is not retained
early on then the accused may not have an opportunity to do this.
Houston Criminal Attorney James Sullivan has a very successful record at
winning felony cases at the grand jury level.
If you or a family member has been charged in Harris County with a misdemeanor or felony theft crime, you can call the law office of James Sullivan and Associates right now at (281) 546-6428.
Contact a Harris County Criminal Lawyer
James Sullivan & Associates | Houston Texas Auto Theft Attorney
Contact James Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428
about your allegations of auto theft in the areas of Harris County
(Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Fort Bend County (Richmond),
Brazoria County (Angleton), Matagorda County (Bay City), Waller County
(Hempstead), Washington County (Brenham), Liberty County (Liberty),
Chambers County (Anahuac) and Jefferson County (Beaumont).
James Sullivan is an experienced Houston criminal trial lawyer who gets results and will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.
