Theft
Dallas Theft Crime Rate Amongst Highest in US
Dallas is considered one of the most unsafe cities in the country. According to one source, on a scale of 1 to 100, Dallas is rated only a “5” – meaning that Dallas is safer than only 5% of the cities in the US.1 Those who commit crimes and those who are victims of crimes generally fall into the same category: men, minorities, young adults and the financially disadvantaged.
In 2007, Dallas’ population was 1,200,000, and the crimes of burglary, larceny, theft, and motor vehicle theft averaged about 6,700 per 100,000 people, or about 67 out of every 1000 people. To put this into perspective, Houston’s population exceeds Dallas’ by almost 1 million, yet there were 1000 more crimes committed in Dallas than in Houston. In short, Dallas has a severe crime situation. It is frequently alleged that Dallas’ alleged criminals are racially profiled. This may or may not be true, but if you or a friend or loved one was charged with burglary, robbery, carjacking, shoplifting, or any other theft crime in the Dallas area, you will need the best legal representation available.
Our law offices offer a free initial consultation wherein we can discuss your case, assess the circumstances involved, and help you to understand your situation. We specialize in criminal defense and are experts in the area of theft crimes. Just because you were arrested and charged with a crime, do not assume that you will automatically be found guilty. If you are in need of legal representation for yourself or a loved one, please contact us now.
Dallas Identity Theft
Acts of identity theft are specifically identified and prohibited in the Texas Penal Code Statutes.
Identity theft crimes include:
- Fraudulent Use of Possession of Identifying Information, S 32.51
- Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communication, S. 16.02
- Unlawful Access to Stored Communications, S. 16.04
- Theft, S. 31.03
- Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse, S. 32.31
- Breach of Computer Security: It is a crime to access a computer without the owner’s consent, S 33.02
Theft is taking another’s property without their consent, with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property.
Value of the property:
- $1500 or more – felony
- If the victim of the theft is over 65, the penalty is increased to the next highest grade of felony
If you are accused of an identity theft crime, the case will be vigorously prosecuted by the Office of the Dallas District Attorney. Get the legal representation you need. Theft crimes are often the easiest to prove because there is generally a trail of evidence to follow. However, a skilled criminal defense attorney can and will challenge evidence and testimony. You are never guilty unless and until you are found guilty in a court of law. Get the help you or your loved one needs. Contact our office for a free consultation.
Dallas Theft of Service
One of the most common category of crimes is theft of service. S.31.04 Texas Penal Code:
“A person commits theft of service if, with intent to avoid payment for services that he knows is provided only for compensation, he…:
1. …intentionally secures the service by deception… or threat…
2. …takes another’s services for his own…
3. …keeps rental property beyond the allowed time….
4. …fails to make payment for agreed services… (above paraphrased for brevity)
Theft of service may take many forms. One example of theft of service in Dallas, Texas: you take your girlfriend to a restaurant where your friend is a waiter. He serves you and your girlfriend elegant steak and lobster dinners, with a bottle of expensive wine, desserts and all the trimmings. But he only charges you $22.00 when the check should be $220.00. He did this intentionally. By doing this, he deprived the owner of the restaurant the money that was actually due. The diners are accomplices and all can potentially be charged with theft of service. Another example: you go to a hotel and stay for a week, run up a bill of $1600, and you never pay. However, it is important to remember that just because you were charged with theft of service, it does not mean that you actually are guilty. If you stayed in the hotel and actually had the money but your cash was stolen and your credit card was declined, you had no intention whatsoever to deprive the hotel of its services. This may also be categorized as theft of an innkeeper, another category of theft. Either way if you were charged with theft of services, please do yourself a favor and get the legal representation that you need.
A criminal defense lawyer with a specialization in theft crimes in Dallas will be your best chance of getting a fair and honest opportunity to prove your innocence. We are highly experienced in criminal defense cases involving theft and all felonies. Call us now. A free consultation is available and will be arranged when you call us.