When someone faces theft charges in Texas, the value of the stolen items plays a key role. A $50 shoplifting incident at Plano’s Stonebriar Centre needs different legal handling than a $5,000 stolen laptop from a local business. The value guides how courts treat each case and what penalties might follow.
What counts as property value in Texas?
Texas courts look at the fair market value of stolen items on the day of the theft. This means the price a buyer would pay if no one were rushing to buy or sell. For new items from stores, courts often use the price tag. However, for used items, they check online sales, expert opinions and similar items sold nearby.
Main factors in value assessment
When courts set the value, they look at several things. Here’s what matters most:
- Age and wear of the item
- Current local prices for similar items
- Repair costs for damaged goods
- Original purchase price
- Recent sales of similar items
These values lead to different charges:
- Items worth less than $100: Class C misdemeanor
- $100 to $750: Class B misdemeanor
- $750 to $2,500: Class A misdemeanor
- $2,500 to $30,000: State jail felony
- $30,000 to $150,000: Third-degree felony
Each charge level carries different penalties and requires a specific defense approach. The wrong value assessment could result in harsher charges than necessary.
Why value matters in your defense
The correct property value can make a big difference in theft cases. A few dollars might separate a misdemeanor from a felony charge. That’s why it helps to work with a lawyer who knows Texas theft laws. They can check if the stated values are correct and fight for fair treatment in your case.
Many theft cases in Plano end differently when someone questions the claimed value of stolen items. If you face theft charges, a local criminal defense attorney can review your case and help protect your rights.
