There are several reasons why people steal. It could be because of financial difficulties, peer pressure, psychological issues or socioeconomic factors, to name a few. For some young people, the struggles they experience as they transition to adulthood urge them to take risky actions, such as committing theft crimes. This situation could have a lasting impact on their lives.
Different types of theft
Theft is a broad term encompassing a range of offenses centered on taking someone else’s property. In Texas, there are different types of theft, and their penalties vary based on the stolen item’s value. Some of the theft crimes in the State are:
- Shoplifting: Taking items from retail establishments without paying for them.
- Burglary: Entering a building without the owner’s permission to commit theft or assault.
- Robbery: Entering a building to take property by force, causing fear or threatening people present.
- Writing bad checks: Writing a check with insufficient funds or knowing that the bank will dishonor the check.
- Service theft: Obtaining services, such as in a restaurant or for utilities, without paying.
- Embezzlement: Misappropriating funds entrusted to a person.
Petty theft crimes, or those involving stolen items worth less than $100, are punishable by a fine. Theft worth between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor theft punishable by a fine and jail time of up to 2 years. When the value exceeds $1,500, it is a felony theft. This crime would be punishable by a fine and jail time of 5-99 years.
Being charged with a criminal case at a young age could have lasting effects. It could affect job opportunities, hindering one’s success in life. Others could spiral, committing repetitive offenses. There are also some who could learn from their experience and thrive. However, every case is different. Thus, understanding one’s situation and interventions could provide a positive outcome. The assistance of an experienced criminal law attorney would be beneficial in this battle.
