Burglary, Robbery & Theft Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin

Burglary, Robbery, and Theft charges can be serious charges with far-reaching penalties if convicted. If you or someone you know is facing one of these or similar charges, contact Austin Criminal defense lawyer, Bill White. An experienced attorney in all aspects of state and federal criminal defense law, Bill personally handles all of his firm's cases. He dedicates himself to each client and helps the through all aspects of their case including bringing in experts to testify regarding evidence being used against you.

The crime of burglary is entering into a building, portion of a building, or habitation with the intent to commit theft or a felony there. Not only is it burglary to enter a house unlawfully with the intent to steal money or property, but it is also burglary to enter with the intent to commit a felony such as arson or murder.

Unlike burglary, robbery and theft occur when property, material or intellectual, is take without its owners consent. Robbery and theft can also occur without trespassing, in a public place or in a building or residence to which the accused has access to.

Texas Criminal Theft Charges

According to the criminal law statutes of Texas, theft (also known as stealing, or larceny) is the illegal taking of another person's property without that person's freely-given consent. Theft is unlawfully taking property or a service with intent to deprive the owner. Specific offenses can include:

• Automobile theft
• Theft by check
• Theft of trade secrets, or
• Possession, manufacture, or distribution of certain instruments used to commit retail theft.

The term theft is often used to describe many kinds of major crimes against property such as:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Embezzlement
• Larceny,
• Looting
• Fraud
• Criminal Conversion
• Mugging
• Trespassing or Intrusion
• Shoplifting

Depending upon the value of the item(s) or services stolen, punishment can be a simple fine of not more than $500 or as severe as up to 20 years in prison with a $10,000 fine.

If you have been charged with burglary, theft, robbery, or any related charges, contact Austin defense attorney Bill White.

Austin Robbery and Violent Crimes Defense

Robbery is committed when an offender intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes injury to another person, threatens a person, or places another person in fear of immediate injury or death during the commission of a theft.

Common issues in differentiating robbery from simple theft is the degree of force required and when the force is applied. The element of force differentiates robbery from embezzlement, larceny, and other types of theft. Piracy (robbery at sea) is a type of robbery. Armed robbery involves the use of a weapon.

Aggravated robbery is a first degree felony that involves a person being seriously injured or in which a deadly weapon or an object that appears to be a deadly weapon is used. In the case which a robbery causes fear of immediate injury or death to a victim who is 65 years of age or older, or a victim that has a mental, physical, or developmental disability, it is also considered aggravated robbery.

Highway robbery, also called "mugging" takes place outside and in a public place such as a sidewalk, street, or parking lot. Carjacking is also considered robbery, as it is the act of stealing a car from a victim by force.

Online Burglary, Robbery & Theft Criminal Law Resources

• City of Austin Police Department
• Texas Statutes and Penal Code

Contact criminal defense attorney Bill White to discuss your case.

 

 

1307 West Avenue   Austin, Texas 78701   Phone: 512-476-1494
  Bill White Blackberry: 512-698-1153   Fax: 512-476-8050  
Email: billwhite@billwhitecriminallaw.com