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Jul

When charged with a theft crime in Texas, understanding the specifics of the crime you’ve been charged with is important. Let’s take a closer look at the three primary theft crimes in Texas—robbery, grand larceny, and embezzlement—and their associated penalties.

Texas Robbery

Texas Penal Code Title 7, Chapter 29 reads that a person commits an offense of robbery if in the course of committing theft (the taking of another’s property), the person: intentionally or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, or intentionally threatens to or places another in fear of imminent harm or death. A conviction of robbery is considered a second-degree felony.

A robbery is more severe if it is an aggravated robbery. An aggravated robbery is a robbery that meets the same criteria listed above, but that:

• causes serious bodily injury to another;
• uses a deadly weapon; or
• causes injury or threatens to cause injury to a person who is disabled or over 65 years of age.

In Texas, aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony.

Grand Larceny

Larceny is another term for theft. Under Texas’ penal code, a person commits larceny when they take property from another—both tangible and intangible property—with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. The most serious cases of larceny are punishable as first-degree felonies, carrying a fine of $200,000 or more and a prison sentence. For less serious instances of larceny, the crime may be classified as a class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of $50.

Embezzlement in Texas

Finally, embezzlement is the third type of theft crime in Texas. Embezzlement is a white-collar crime, and usually occurs when an employee takes funds from an employer. Typically, embezzlement and fraud go hand-in-hand. Embezzlement can be as minor as a cashier taking $100 from the business’s cash register, or as severe as a corporate businessman taking thousands of dollars from a business. Much like larceny, the penalties for embezzlement vary depending upon the extent of the crime; the more money that’s stolen—as well as whether or not fraud was involved—the more severe the penalty will be.

Defenses to Robbery, Larceny, and Embezzlement

If you’re facing charges of robbery, larceny, or/and embezzlement in Houston, an attorney can help you build a defense and have your sentence reduced. Defenses may include lack of intent, consent from property owner, or error.

At Hill Law Firm, we’re ready to get to work on your case. Get in touch with us today by calling (713) 623-8312 now!