- 400+ years of combined legal experience
- Our Fort Worth-area team includes two former prosecutors and several career criminal defense attorneys. Our staff also includes former judges and a former FBI agent
- A 100% success rate in Fort Worth-area theft cases in 2025, as measured by our client satisfaction surveys
- Available 24/7 — we work nights, weekends, and holidays
- 175+ five-star Google reviews for our Fort Worth office
- Free and confidential consultations
We serve not only Fort Worth but also clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Rockwall counties.
Penalties for Theft Charges in Fort Worth
Depending on the value of the stolen property and the specific circumstances, theft charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, with potential consequences including jail or prison time.
Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code describes theft as illegally taking the belongings of another.
Whether you’re charged with shoplifting, robbery, or theft, the crime’s classification will depend on the value of the items stolen, whether you’re a first-time offender, and, occasionally, the stolen item.
The penalty is most commonly determined by the value of the item that was taken:
|
Value
|
Charge
|
Penalties
|
|
Less than $100
|
Class C misdemeanor
|
Up to a $500 fine
|
|
$100 to $750
|
Class B misdemeanor
|
Up to 180 days in county jail; fine of up to $2,000
|
|
$750 to $2,500
|
Class A misdemeanor
|
Up to a year in county jail; Fine of up to $4,000
|
|
$2,500 to $30,000
|
State jail felony
|
Between six months to two years in state jail; Fine of up to $10,000
|
|
$30,000 to $150,000
|
Third-degree felony
|
Between two to ten years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000
|
|
$150,000 to $300,000
|
Second-degree felony
|
Between two and 20 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000
|
|
$300,000 or more
|
First-degree felony
|
Between five to 99 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000
|
Source: Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31
Enhanced penalties may apply if the stolen property includes:
- Firearms
- Livestock
- Certain metals (e.g., copper, aluminum)
- ATM contents
Or if the theft involves:
- A nonprofit organization
- A public servant or an elderly individual
- Tampering with fire alarms or theft-prevention devices
- Use of anti-theft bypass tools
Common Property Crimes in Fort Worth
You don’t have to walk out of a store with merchandise to be charged with theft. In Texas, intent alone can be enough. Our Fort Worth theft attorneys handle all kinds of theft and property crime cases, including:
Shoplifting / Larceny-Theft (§31.03)
Larceny-theft includes traditional shoplifting, pickpocketing, or switching price tags. Larceny-theft is one of the most common offenses in Tarrant County and across Texas, reflecting a national trend of increased retail theft. In 2024, 35,638 people were charged with larceny-theft in Tarrant County alone, according to a report from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Auto Theft (§31.03)
Because of their high value, stolen vehicles typically result in felony charges. Auto theft is also commonly prosecuted as Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (§31.07). In the Fort Worth area, 8,480 people were charged with auto theft in 2024.
Robbery (§29.02)
Robbery occurs when someone uses force or threats of harm during a theft. Even threatening someone during a theft can elevate a misdemeanor theft to a second-degree felony robbery – this resulted in 1,149 charges in Tarrant County in 2024.
Burglary (§30.02)
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure—a residence, business, or vehicle—with the intent to commit theft or another felony. Under Texas law, burglary of a habitation carries severe penalties. In 2024, 5,898 people were charged with burglary in Tarrant County.
Burglary of a Vehicle (§30.04)
Even reaching through an open window with the intent to steal qualifies. A third conviction can lead to felony charges.
Aggressive Defense from Our Experienced Team
At Michael & Associates, you don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team. Many of our Fort Worth theft lawyers grew up in the area and are familiar with the local court system. With two former prosecutors and several attorneys who have devoted their careers exclusively to criminal defense, we are uniquely positioned to fight for you.
We build your defense by gathering evidence, challenging weak claims, and preparing for trial if necessary. Common defenses include:
- Lack of intent – You didn’t mean to steal.
- Mistake of fact – You thought the item was yours.
- Coerced confession – Someone pressured you into admitting guilt.
- Consent – You had permission to take or use the item.
- Duress – Someone forced or threatened you into the act.
- Insufficient evidence – The case doesn’t meet legal standards.
- Entrapment – Law enforcement or loss prevention pushed you to commit the crime.
- Juvenile defense – Minors may qualify for more rehabilitative options.
One mistake shouldn’t define your future. Our Fort Worth theft attorneys will help you fight back. Our #1 goal is a dismissal!
