Auto Theft
In Texas, there is no charge specific to auto theft. Instead, theft of a vehicle falls under the general larceny statute, which bases theft charges on the value of the stolen property. Auto theft is typically charged as a felony because the value of a vehicle usually exceeds the limit for misdemeanor charges.
Felony theft charges have serious consequences if you are convicted. It is important that your lawyer is prepared to aggressively defend you. At the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we have considerable experience fighting all types of theft crimes. Attorney Ortiz has been protecting the rights of individuals in Texas since 1998. He can help you contest felony and misdemeanor auto theft charges.
You Could Face a Prison Sentence if Convicted
Theft charges are based on the value of the stolen property. You can be charged with a misdemeanor for stealing less than $1,500 worth of goods. It is rare that a vehicle is worth less than $1,500 so auto theft is most often charged as a felony.
Theft crimes in Texas are charged in the following way:
| Value of stolen goods | Charge |
| $50 to $499 | class B misdemeanor |
| $500 to $1,499 | class A misdemeanor |
| $1,500 to $19,999 | state jail felony |
| $20,000 to $99,999 | third-degree felony |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | second-degree felony |
| $200,000 or more | first-degree felony |
Conviction for a state jail felony for auto theft includes penalties of 180 days to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000. Conviction for a third-degree felony for auto theft includes penalties of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Speak With a Defense Attorney Today
Contact us today at (915) 308-8850 for a consultation with an El Paso auto theft defense attorney.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
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"He worked really hard to get my case dismissed and directly talked to judge to give me more time to come up with restitution fee."Alejandra Fierro
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Mr. Ortiz and his team was able to prove my innocence and I had a not guilty verdict by a jury.
Carlos González -
And he was right. He got my case dismissed.
Jonathan Miles