There are many ways that people end up facing theft charges in Texas. Most of the time, people accused of theft-related property offenses play a role in the misappropriation of resources. Those accused of shoplifting, burglary or robbery offenses typically know that their actions make them vulnerable to prosecution.
However, individuals who played no role in the theft of assets could sometimes face criminal charges. Individuals found to be in possession of stolen property are at risk of the state charging them with a crime.
Possessing stolen property is against the law
It is illegal for people to knowingly receive stolen property from others. Accepting stolen items as a gift or purchasing them, possibly for a fraction of the fair market value, could lead to criminal charges. Even agreeing to store stolen assets for another person could potentially lead to criminal charges.
Those accused of possessing stolen property in Texas may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the value of the property. Once the total value of the assets reaches $2,500, the person accused is at risk of facing a state jail felony or higher-degree felony charges in other cases.
People who agree to store physical property for family members, as well as those purchasing discounted items, possibly through electronic platforms, could be at risk of prosecution if the state can show that they knew those items did not belong to the person asking to store them or selling them.
Fighting back against allegations of possessing stolen property requires careful preparation. Those accused of theft offenses may need support as they prepare to fight their charges, and that’s okay.
