Theft / Robbery / Burglary

Criminal

Theft Charges

Theft basically means taking someone else’s property without their consent and with the intent to deprive them of the property. The most common theft involves shoplifting. Even a simple shoplifting charge is serious because a conviction for any level of theft (a crime of dishonesty, or “moral turpitude”) can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life and livelihood. In addition, the punishment range for theft increases as the value of the theft increases. Regardless of the level of the charge, any theft related allegation is a serious matter and must be defended accordingly. Fortunately our highly experienced criminal defense lawyers have handled all types of theft related offenses and can help you no matter what level offense you are accused of.

Burglary Charges

Entering a building, business, vehicle, or residence without the owner’s consent constitutes felony burglary if done with the intent to commit theft or certain other crimes. Law enforcement and prosecutors treat these cases much more seriously.

Robbery Charges

Allegations of theft involving force or threat will cause the charges to be upgraded to a robbery. This could include a simple struggle with a security guard during a shoplifting or allegations of a more forceful physical act. Any allegation involving a deadly weapon will result in a more serious, first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery. Aggravated robberies are the same level charge as murder and are treated seriously by high-level, seasoned prosecutors. Robbery and aggravated robbery charges require a very serious and comprehensive defense.

Police Interrogations in Theft, Burglary, and Robbery Cases

Some theft, and most burglary and robbery, cases involve a much longer and more in-depth criminal investigation before charges are even filed. As a part of these investigations, police and law enforcement investigators often reach out to a potential suspect in an attempt to interview them—and sometimes trick them—into making admissions or confessing. Police officers are trained to use certain techniques to get someone to make an incriminating statement. Moreover, courts have consistently allowed police officers to LIE in order to secure a confession. They are counting on interviewing someone before they have had a chance to consult with an attorney.

Do not make the mistake of providing incriminating statements to police or law enforcement without speaking with a lawyer first. If a detective or investigator wants to interview you, contact Shellist Peebles McAlister LLP immediately for a free consultation.

Theft, burglary, and robbery charges carry serious long-term implications.  Hire a team of lawyers to defend you against any of these allegations.

The talented lawyers at Shellist Peebles McAlister LLP in Houston, Texas, use a team approach to brainstorm the most effective strategy and criminal defense to combat any of the following criminal charges:

  • Misdemeanor and Felony Theft
  • Employee Theft or Embezzlement
  • Burglary of a Business or Habitation
  • Copper Theft
  • Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle or Auto Theft
  • Forgery
  • Credit Card Abuse
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated Robbery

Keep Any of These Convictions off Your Record at All Cost

You must do everything that you can to keep ANY conviction for theft, robbery, or burglary off your criminal record. Aside from the obvious risk of losing your freedom over these allegations, there are far reaching collateral consequences of a reportable conviction for any sort of theft related offense. Any theft or fraud related crime is considered a crime of moral turpitude and can have devastating impacts on your reputation, your ability to find a job, your immigration status, government assistance, or even your ability to get or maintain certain licenses.

Our legal team at Shellist Peebles McAlister LLP can use their energy, knowledge, and creativity to fashion an effective criminal defense strategy to prevent a permanent mark on your record. Schedule a free consultation with some of the best criminal defense attorneys in Houston by contacting Shellist Peebles McAlister LLP today.