Sugar Land Theft Crime Attorney

Early Investigation Guided by Prosecution-Side Experience

A theft accusation can turn on disputed ownership, property value, intent, identification, or the way evidence was obtained. The Sims Law Firm, PLLC represents Sugar Land clients facing theft allegations and formal charges, beginning with a close review of the facts that could shape the prosecution’s case.

Attorney Brandon Sims is a former felony prosecutor who understands how the government evaluates evidence and prepares criminal cases. We use that perspective to identify weaknesses in the allegation, anticipate prosecutorial arguments, and develop a defense tailored to the circumstances.

Request a confidential consultation about a theft accusation in Sugar Land. Call (713) 766-1445 so we can begin evaluating your case.

Theft Charges We Handle in Sugar Land

Under Texas law, theft generally means unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive its owner of it. Because intent is a required part of the allegation, a disagreement, mistake, or unclear transaction shouldn’t automatically be treated as proof that someone intended to steal.

We handle property-related cases involving:

• Theft and shoplifting
• Grand theft allegations
• Auto theft
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Robbery

These labels don’t necessarily describe the same offense under Texas law. Each can involve different conduct, evidence, and legal elements, so we examine the charge actually alleged rather than relying on the name used by a store employee, witness, or arresting officer.

The evidence in a property-related case may include:

• Surveillance video, transaction records, or inventory documentation
• Statements from the accused, witnesses, employees, or property owner
• Receipts, electronic communications, account records, or ownership documents
• Evidence used to establish the identity and value of the property

Shoplifting may center on conduct inside a retail store, while identity theft can involve account or identifying information. Auto theft and embezzlement allegations present their own factual issues. We assess the available evidence and procedural posture before selecting a defense strategy.

Texas Theft Levels Based on Property Value

Property valuation often determines whether an allegation is misdemeanor or felony theft. Texas classifications include a Class C misdemeanor for a value under $100, a Class B misdemeanor for a value from $100 up to $750, and a Class A misdemeanor for a value from $750 up to $2,500.

At higher values, the allegations can reach serious felony classifications. Theft involving a value from $150,000 up to $300,000 is a second-degree felony. A value of $300,000 or more can support a first-degree felony charge. Other ranges carry classifications that must be evaluated under the law applicable to the case.

Certain property or circumstances can change the charge regardless of the alleged dollar amount. Theft is classified as a state jail felony when the property is a firearm or when it’s taken from another person, a human corpse, or a grave. A charge also increases by one punishment category if a public servant allegedly took property that came into the person’s custody because of that official status.

The statute of limitations is the period in which the state generally must begin a prosecution. Misdemeanor theft charges have a two-year limitations period, while felony theft offenses generally have a five-year limitations period. The relevant dates and procedural history still require case-specific review.

What Happens After a Fort Bend County Theft Arrest

After a theft arrest, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office reviews the case and decides whether to file a formal charge. Misdemeanor theft cases are filed directly with the County Clerk without grand jury review. Felony theft cases proceed through grand jury review before an indictment, which is a formal accusation authorizing the case to continue.

We begin working when a client contacts us. Our investigation can examine the accusation, witness accounts, property records, valuation evidence, video, statements, and the prosecution’s theory. Brandon Sims has practiced criminal law exclusively for more than 20 years and has handled over a thousand cases. That experience informs our analysis of evidentiary and procedural issues.

We then develop a strategy suited to the charge and available evidence. This includes anticipating how prosecutors may present the case, addressing weaknesses in the allegation, and preparing for the appropriate path forward. Depending on the circumstances, we can pursue a negotiated resolution or take the case to trial.

Possible Resolutions in a Theft Case

No single resolution fits every theft allegation. Whether a charge can be reduced, diverted, resolved through deferred adjudication, or later expunged depends on the facts, the specific offense, the person’s eligibility, and the final disposition. Expunction can remove eligible arrest and case records. Deferred adjudication allows a court to defer a finding of guilt while the person completes court-ordered requirements.

When appropriate, we can seek deferred adjudication to avoid a permanent felony conviction. We can also pursue negotiation of a theft charge to Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle when supported by the facts. These are case-specific options, not assured outcomes, so we evaluate the allegation, evidence, and procedural stage before recommending a course of action.

Our published results include the dismissal of a trademark counterfeiting case involving an alleged value from $30,000 to under $150,000. A prior result doesn’t predict what will happen in another case, but it reflects our experience analyzing high-value property allegations and pursuing defenses based on the evidence.

Request a Free Theft Crime Consultation

We offer free consultations for theft crime cases. Use our contact form to tell us about the accusation, the stage of the case, and the information available for review.

We provide a strategic defense tailored to your circumstances, beginning with a prompt investigation and a clear assessment of your options.

Call (713) 766-1445 to request your free consultation with our Sugar Land theft lawyer.