Drug offenses, theft, aggravated assault, burglary, and robbery are the most common crimes in Texas. If you face criminal charges in the Lone Star State, there is a good chance it involves one of these crimes. Although each of these crimes can carry severe penalties, you are not alone in your search for justice.
If you are serious about fighting for your rights in Texas, consider a consultation at an established criminal defense law firm. Choose Garza Law Office, PLLC – and assess potential strategies with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Texas. Dora Alicia Garza founded this law firm after graduating with a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University in 2014. With over a decade of experience, this Texas criminal defense attorney has handled numerous cases involving drug crimes, theft, aggravated assault, burglary, and robbery.
Drug Offenses in Texas
You might face various drug charges in Texas, although the most common involve possession. The penalties are highly complex, and they depend on both the quantity and the type of drugs involved. For drugs like heroin or cocaine, penalties for possession can range from six months in jail to 99 years in prison. In Texas, marijuana is treated differently – and possession of small amounts is considered a misdemeanor. However, possession of higher quantities of cannabis can result in more serious penalties.
Theft Charges in Texas
Theft or “unlawful taking” is another potentially serious and common offense in Texas. Again, the penalties for taking someone else’s property or services vary – and your penalties depend on the value of whatever you allegedly stole. For example, theft of property worth less than $100 is a misdemeanor with no jail time, but there is a fine of $500.
Theft of higher-value property results in more serious penalties, starting with a class B misdemeanor with up to six months in jail. You may face this penalty if you stole items worth more than $100 but less than $750. These penalties continue to increase depending on the value of stolen goods, up to first-degree felony theft. This is the most serious theft-related offense in Texas, involving stolen items worth more than $300,000. The penalty is up to 99 years in prison.
Aggravated Assault in Texas
Another common offense in Texas is aggravated assault. Although all violent crimes trigger serious penalties, the consequences for aggravated assault can be particularly severe. This is a second-degree felony in Texas, with up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
In order to face aggravated assault charges, you must have intentionally caused serious physical harm. You might have also used a deadly weapon while carrying out the crime. Finally, you could face aggravated assault charges for simply brandishing a deadly weapon during the alleged offense.
Burglary Charges in Texas
Burglary might sound identical to assault, but the two crimes are different. In order to face burglary charges, you must enter a building without permission – and with the intent to commit a criminal offense while inside. Often, this crime is theft. For example, you might break into a closed jewelry store at night to steal diamonds. However, burglary does not necessarily involve theft – and you can face this charge as long as you have the intent to commit any crime after entering the structure. This might be assault or vandalism.
If the crime you allegedly intended to commit while inside the structure is a misdemeanor, you face up to 20 years in prison. If the crime you intend to commit is a felony, you face up to life in prison.
Robbery Charges in Texas
Robbery is theft while using force or threats. A classic example of robbery is beating someone before taking their wallet – or holding a knife against them before taking their purse. You may face this charge even if you merely threaten the alleged victim with no physical contact. If there are aggravating factors, the penalty for robbery in Texas may be life in prison.
Contact an Established Criminal Defense Law Firm in Texas
While these five crimes might be particularly common in Texas, no two criminal charges are identical. Each situation is slightly different, and each defendant must tailor their defense strategy to these varying circumstances. While online research may provide a few answers, a Texas defense attorney can offer more personalized guidance. Consider a consultation with Garza Law Office, PLLC, today to learn more about your legal options. Texas defense attorney Dora Alicia Garza may be able to help you clear your name and achieve justice – so reach out today by calling 956-329-1304 to get started with a defense strategy.
