What to Do if You’re Arrested for a Theft Crime in Texas

 

Being arrested for a theft crime in Texas is no small matter. Even the consequences of shoplifting or petty theft can be more severe than you think. Other theft crime penalties can range from jail time to hefty fines. Fortunately, not being able to defend yourself from these charges is a common misconception about theft crimes. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and minimize the damage. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been arrested for a theft crime in Texas.

Know Your Rights

The first step after being arrested for a theft crime in Texas is to know your rights. The state of Texas has specific laws regarding arrests, searches and seizures, interrogations, statute of limitations, and bail hearings that you should be aware of. Understanding these laws will help ensure that your rights are respected throughout the process. It is also important to understand that anything you say during an interrogation or any other part of the process can be used against you in court. You may want to exercise your right to remain silent until you have consulted with an attorney about your case.

Hire an Experienced Theft Attorney

The next step is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who has knowledge of the law surrounding theft crimes in Texas and who has experience representing those charged with such crimes. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you on how best to proceed with your case based on their knowledge of the law and experience dealing with similar cases in the past. A good lawyer will also be able to provide guidance and advice on any other issues that may arise during the proceedings, such as navigating the judicial system, filing motions or pleadings, and negotiating plea deals or settlements on your behalf. As a former felony prosecutor, and long time criminal defense attorney Sarah Fox has extensive experience on both sides of the law.

Gather Evidence

After hiring an attorney, it is important to gather evidence related to your case so that they can build a strong defense on your behalf. This includes obtaining documents such as police reports, witness statements, financial records, surveillance footage or photographs, medical records if applicable, and any other relevant evidence that could help prove innocence or mitigate damages in court. Your attorney can provide assistance with this process by requesting documents from different sources or gathering information from witnesses who may have seen what happened during the incident leading up to your arrest.

Theft Crime Lawyer in Plano

Facing charges for a theft crime in Texas can be stressful and overwhelming. But, by following the steps above, you can ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly while protecting yourself from further prosecution. This can minimize potential penalties associated with a conviction for such crimes in Texas. No matter what situation you find yourself facing due to such charges, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer for theft charges by your side throughout this process will give you peace of mind.  Contact The Fox Firm for a consultation and know that we will do everything possible on your behalf for you to receive fair treatment under the law.