header-logo-3    Richard   C.   McConathy  
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
 info@mcconathylaw.com  
 
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
  Dallas ,   Texas ,   75248   United States  
 
(972) 233-5700

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Dallas Property Crimes Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a property crime in Dallas can turn your world upside down. The stress of potential jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record that could affect your future employment and housing opportunities is overwhelming. 

You need more than just legal representation – you need a defender who understands what’s at stake.

At McConathy Law, we’ve successfully protected hundreds of Dallas residents facing property crime charges. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys combine aggressive courtroom advocacy with genuine compassion for our clients’ situations. 

Don’t let uncertainty about your future keep you awake at night. Call our Dallas criminal defense lawyer at 972-528-0116 for a free consultation and learn how we will help protect your rights.

When To Call Our Dallas Property Crimes Lawyers

Property crimes in Texas encompass a wide range of offenses, from shoplifting to arson, and the consequences can be life-altering. 

Under Texas law, these crimes are primarily categorized by the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the offense:

  • Misdemeanor charges typically involve property valued under $2,500
  • State jail felonies cover property valued between $2,500 and $30,000
  • Higher-value cases can result in first-degree felony charges

For example, taking merchandise worth $100 from a Dallas store might seem minor, but even this can result in a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail. If that same theft involves breaking into a vehicle or building, the charges escalate to a felony – regardless of the property’s value.

Don’t wait to find out how serious your situation might become. Even if you’re unsure whether you need legal representation, a single conversation with our experienced defense team could make the difference between:

  • Charges being filed or dropped
  • Misdemeanor or felony prosecution
  • Freedom or incarceration
  • A clean record or a criminal history

At McConathy Law, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options. 

With over 30 years of experience defending Dallas residents against property crime charges, we know that early intervention often leads to better outcomes. 

Types of Property Crimes We Defend in Dallas

Arson

Fire-related property damage carries some of the heaviest penalties in Texas criminal law. 

Arson charges don’t just involve deliberately setting fires – they can include causing explosions or reckless burning that damages structures, vehicles, or land. 

A conviction could mean 2-20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, with enhanced penalties if the fire endangered lives or targeted specific properties like places of worship.

Even if nothing is taken, breaking into a vehicle is a serious offense in Texas. The law considers any unauthorized entry into a car with criminal intent as burglary. 

Whether it’s breaking a window or entering through an unlocked door. 

While typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, prior convictions can elevate these charges to felony status.

Home and building burglary charges hinge on proving unauthorized entry and criminal intent. 

Texas law treats home burglary especially severely – it’s always a second-degree felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. 

Commercial burglary penalties vary based on factors like property use, time of day, and whether weapons were involved.

From broken windows to disabled security systems, criminal mischief covers intentional property damage or tampering.

Penalties scale with damage value:

  • Under $100: Class C misdemeanor
  • $750-$2,500: Class A misdemeanor
  • Over $30,000: Felony charges

Entering or remaining on the property against the owner’s wishes can result in criminal trespass charges. While often treated as a misdemeanor, circumstances like carrying a weapon or targeting critical infrastructure can elevate these charges significantly. 

Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect housing and employment opportunities.

Texas evaluates theft severity based on property value and circumstances. 

A simple shoplifting incident can become a serious felony if:

  • The value exceeds $2,500
  • You have prior convictions
  • The property was stolen from an elderly person
  • The theft involved breaking security devices

Modern fraud cases often involve complex digital evidence and multiple jurisdictions. 

Whether it’s check forgery, credit card abuse, or identity theft, these charges require scrutiny of both physical and electronic evidence. 

Penalties range from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, depending on the amount involved and method used.

Robbery charges in Texas represent a dramatic escalation from theft, carrying life-altering consequences. 

When force or threats are used during a theft, prosecutors aggressively pursue second-degree felony charges, which can result in up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Even more severe, aggravated robbery charges—involving a weapon or targeting elderly or disabled victims—can lead to 5-99 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. These first-degree felony convictions often carry mandatory minimum sentences, and prosecutors typically seek the harshest possible penalties. 

A conviction means not only lengthy imprisonment but also a permanent felony record that can devastate future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

The complexity of these cases is heightened by factors such as witness identification reliability, surveillance evidence interpretation, and proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Given the severe consequences and prosecutorial resources devoted to these cases, early and strategic defense planning is critical to protecting your rights and future.

Taking someone’s vehicle without permission—even temporarily—is treated as a state jail felony in Texas, carrying up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. 

While this might seem harsh for “just borrowing” a vehicle, prosecutors take these cases seriously, and circumstances can quickly escalate the charges.

What begins as unauthorized use can be elevated to grand theft auto if prosecutors believe you intended to permanently keep the vehicle. 

Even more serious, if force or threats were used to obtain the vehicle, charges can escalate to robbery or aggravated robbery, potentially resulting in 5-99 years in prison. 

Additionally, damaging the vehicle or using it in another crime can lead to multiple felony charges.

The distinction between “borrowing” and stealing often hinges on complex questions of permission and intent. Misunderstandings between family members, friends, or romantic partners can lead to criminal charges, while prior arrangements or implied consent can become critical defense factors. Cases may also involve challenging evidence like security footage, GPS tracking data, and conflicting witness statements.

Why You Need Our Property Crime Lawyers

Facing property crime charges without experienced legal representation puts your future at risk. 

Many people underestimate the complexity of these cases or believe they can explain their way out of charges. This approach often leads to serious consequences that could have been avoided with proper legal guidance.

  • The impact of a property crime conviction extends far beyond fines and potential jail time. 
  • These charges can create a domino effect, touching every aspect of your life. Employers routinely screen for property crime convictions during background checks, making it difficult to secure meaningful employment. 
  • Landlords often deny housing applications, and professional licensing boards may suspend or revoke credentials. 
  • For non-citizens, these convictions can jeopardize immigration status, while students might find themselves ineligible for financial aid.
  • Even seemingly minor property crime convictions carry hidden costs that many don’t consider until it’s too late. Insurance companies typically raise rates for those with property crime records.
  • Security clearances essential for certain jobs may be revoked. Child custody arrangements can be affected, and international travel may become restricted. Your credit score might suffer, making it harder to secure loans or housing.

At McConathy Law, our defense team knows exactly where to look for procedural errors and constitutional violations that could make the difference in your case. 

We scrutinize whether evidence was properly obtained, if your Miranda rights were respected, and whether law enforcement had probable cause. The proper execution of search warrants and the reliability of witness identifications are vital elements we examine in building your defense.

Property crime cases often turn on subtle details that an inexperienced defender might miss. 

The quality and angle of surveillance footage, the credibility and motivation of witnesses, accurate documentation of property value, and the distinction between intent and accident can all significantly impact your case’s outcome. 

With over three decades defending Dallas residents, we understand local courts, prosecutors, and procedures in ways that benefit our clients.

How Our Property Crimes Lawyer in Dallas Can Help

Every property crime case tells a different story, which is why McConathy Law develops defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. 

We begin by listening to your account, examining the evidence, and identifying potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This personalized approach allows us to build the strongest possible defense for your circumstances.

Our investigation process goes beyond surface-level evidence. 

We meticulously review surveillance footage, analyze witness statements for inconsistencies, and examine police reports for procedural errors. Our team works with forensic experts when necessary, questioning everything from property valuations to chain of custody documentation. This thorough approach often reveals vital details that will significantly impact your case.

When appropriate, we leverage our deep understanding of Dallas courts and prosecutors to negotiate on your behalf. Years of experience have taught us when to push for charge reductions, seek alternative sentencing options, or advocate for dismissal. 

Our reputation for thorough case preparation often helps us secure more favorable plea arrangements, potentially avoiding jail time or reducing charges from felonies to misdemeanors.

If your case goes to trial, you’ll benefit from our extensive courtroom experience. 

We know how to present compelling arguments that resonate with Dallas juries, challenge prosecution evidence effectively, and protect your rights throughout the proceedings. 

Our trial preparation includes developing clear timelines, gathering expert testimony when needed, and crafting narratives that help jurors understand your side of the story.

Beyond legal strategy, we guide you through each step of the criminal justice process. From explaining your rights during police questioning to preparing you for court appearances, we ensure you’re never left wondering what comes next. 

Our team remains accessible to answer your questions and address concerns throughout your case.

At McConathy Law, we understand that facing property crime charges can feel overwhelming. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact our Dallas criminal defense lawyer at 972-528-0116 to discuss how we will help protect your rights and future.

Contact Our Dallas Property Crime Attorney Today!

When facing property crime charges in Dallas, time is critical. Early intervention by our legal team will make a significant difference in your case’s outcome. The sooner we begin working on your defense, the more options we have to protect your rights and future.

McConathy Law offers free, confidential case evaluations to discuss your situation. During this consultation, we’ll assess your case, explain your legal options, and outline potential defense strategies. Our experienced team is ready to start working on your defense immediately.

Don’t let uncertainty about your case keep you awake at night. 

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