Facing theft charges in Frisco? Texas prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and a conviction can impact your employment, housing, and future opportunities.
At Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve defended hundreds of theft and property crime cases throughout Collin County with a proven track record of dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Our attorneys bring over 35 years of combined experience defending clients in Frisco Municipal Court and Collin County courts. We know the local prosecutors, understand how Frisco judges handle these cases, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience providing criminal defense throughout Collin County — from misdemeanor theft cases to serious felony trials. We know the prosecutors, judges, and local procedures that shape outcomes in Frisco courts.
Types of Theft Charges We Defend in Frisco
We handle all theft and property crime charges in Frisco and throughout Collin County:
- Shoplifting from Stonebriar Centre, IKEA, or other Frisco retailers
- Theft (misdemeanor and felony)
- Burglary of homes, vehicles, or buildings
- Motor vehicle theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle
- Credit card abuse and check fraud
- Receiving stolen property
- Identity theft
- Theft by deception
- Embezzlement
- Organized retail theft
📌 Theft charges can be enhanced when multiple acts occur within a single 12-month period. Texas law allows prosecutors to aggregate values across incidents, raising misdemeanors to felonies—something our defense attorney will often contest through timeline separation.
Penalties for Theft in Texas
Texas classifies theft based on property value, with penalties ranging from fines to decades in prison:
| Property Value | Charge | Maximum Penalty |
| Under $100 | Class C Misdemeanor | $500 fine |
| $100–$749 | Class B Misdemeanor | 180 days jail, $2,000 fine |
| $750–$2,499 | Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year jail, $4,000 fine |
| $2,500–$29,999 | State Jail Felony | 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine |
| $30,000–$149,999 | 3rd Degree Felony | 10 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| $150,000–$299,999 | 2nd Degree Felony | 20 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| $300,000+ | 1st Degree Felony | 99 years prison, $10,000 fine |
Stealing from elderly victims (65+), having prior theft convictions, or stealing firearms increases charges by one degree.
How We Defend Theft Cases in Frisco
Our defense strategies are tailored to the specific facts of your case:
- Lack of Intent: Texas Penal Code §31.03 requires proof that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of property. We challenge weak intent evidence.
- Mistaken Identity: We investigate alibis, review surveillance footage, and challenge unreliable eyewitness identifications.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If Frisco police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Value Disputes: Prosecutors often inflate property values to justify higher charges. We retain independent appraisers to challenge overvaluations, which can result in reduced charges or better negotiation outcomes.
- Consent or Claim of Right: If you reasonably believed you had permission or a right to the property, this negates criminal intent.
- Return of Property: In appropriate cases, we negotiate restitution agreements, deferred adjudication, or pretrial diversion programs.
💡 Video surveillance evidence is frequently incomplete or improperly timestamped. Comparing store footage metadata with transaction logs and police reports often reveals discrepancies that can undermine the prosecution’s case.
Our Frisco Theft Defense Results
We’ve successfully defended theft cases throughout Collin County. Here are actual results from our case files:
- Theft, Dismissed (Dallas County, M1554025)
- Theft, Dismissed (City of Dallas, 0003286597)
- Theft, Dismissed (Dallas County, M15-21698)
- Theft, Dismissed (Dallas County, M15-21697)
- Theft, Dismissed (Dallas County, M14-13556)
- Theft (Felony), Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor (Dallas County, F1245325-W)
- Criminal Mischief (Felony), Dismissed (Dallas County, F16-14883)
These outcomes don’t guarantee results in your case, but they demonstrate our commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome.
Our team also represents clients facing DWI and criminal defense matters in Frisco. Whether you’re charged with theft, DWI, or both, we fight to protect your driving privileges, career, and reputation.
Why Choose Our Frisco Defense Attorneys?
- Three Generations of Criminal Defense Excellence: Our firm was founded in 1946 by Jack McConathy Sr. Richard “Tex” McConathy became a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist in 1982. Today, Richard Charles McConathy leads the firm with the same dedication to aggressive criminal defense.
- Local Court Experience: We regularly appear in Frisco Municipal Court and at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. We know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures.
- Proven Track Record: Over 1,000 cases dismissed and 300+ not guilty verdicts in our 35+ years of practice.
- Available 24/7: We respond quickly because time matters in building your defense.
⚖️ Board Certification in Criminal Law requires extensive trial experience and peer evaluation, demonstrating not only legal expertise but also recognized credibility with Texas judges and prosecutors—an advantage in plea and sentencing negotiations.
What to Do If You're Arrested for Theft in Frisco
- Remain Silent: Don’t answer police questions without our attorney present.
- Request our Attorney: Clearly state, “I want to speak with my attorney.”
- Don’t Consent to Searches: You have the right to refuse searches unless police have a warrant.
- Contact Us Immediately: Call 197-230-38867 now. The sooner we start working on your defense, the better your chances.
Theft cases often overlap with burglary charges under Texas law. We examine every element of the alleged offense to determine whether prosecutors can actually prove unlawful entry or criminal intent.
Contact Our Frisco Theft Lawyers Today
Don’t let a theft arrest become a conviction. With experienced legal representation, many charges can be dismissed, reduced, or resolved through alternatives that protect your future.
Let us put our 35+ years of experience and proven results to work for you.
Serving Frisco and Collin County
We defend theft and property crime cases throughout the Frisco area, including Frisco Municipal Court, Collin County Courts in McKinney, and the surrounding communities of Plano, Allen, Prosper, The Colony, Little Elm, and Celina.
According to the Collin County District Clerk’s Office, thousands of criminal cases are filed each year. Choose attorneys who will fight for your rights.
Call 197-230-38867 now or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoplifting a felony in Frisco?
Shoplifting becomes a felony when the merchandise value exceeds $2,500 or you have prior theft convictions.
Will I go to jail for first-time theft?
First-time offenders often receive deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion, avoiding jail time and keeping the charge off your record.
Can theft charges be dropped?
Yes. We’ve obtained dismissals through insufficient evidence, illegal searches, mistaken identity, or negotiating restitution agreements.
What's the difference between theft and burglary?
Theft is unlawfully taking property. Burglary is entering a building without consent with the intent to commit theft or another crime.
How does a theft conviction affect my future?
Theft is a crime of moral turpitude affecting employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and educational opportunities.