What Are the Most Common Crimes Committed in Texas?

 Posted on May 28, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Each year, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) provides an analysis of crime throughout the state. This includes statistics about crime rates, crime trends, crime volume, and more. The statistics can sometimes be difficult to comprehend as a whole, with numbers looming into the thousands. However, having a general knowledge of what crime looks like in the state of Texas can be a good way to protect yourself and stay informed about public safety. Since these statistics take time to compile and calculate, the most recent report is from 2018. According to the TxDPS, there were nearly 800,000 total offenses in 2018. Although this number may seem high, it is actually a 5.4 percent decrease from the previous year. So, what are common crime trends in Texas, and what are their consequences? The answer: More than 678,000 property crimes were committed in Texas in 2018.

Larceny-Theft

The term larceny-theft is a long-form word for theft ⁠— the unlawful taking of another person’s property. 72.4 percent of the property crimes committed in 2018 were theft charges. The legal consequence for theft is often dependent upon the price of the item being stolen. Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. The consequences can start at a $500 fine and escalate to $10,000 and a sentence of anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison.

Burglary

The term burglary is often confused with theft, but the two are actually different based on the details of the incident. If a person allegedly enters someone’s private property and commits a felony, theft, or an assault (or intends to do so), he or she may be charged with burglary. 17.3 percent of the total property crimes committed in 2018 were considered burglary charges. These, too, rely on the value of the object stolen or the property entered. The statute specifically outlines the consequences of stealing coin collection machines and the burglary of vehicles. Burglary charges are taken very seriously, ranging from a state jail felony and escalating to a first-degree felony. Fines can be up to $10,000, and those found guilty can spend 180 days to life in confinement.

Motor Vehicle Theft

This is one type of theft outlined in the Texas statutes, but because of the value of the object being stolen, it receives its own category. It includes a number of actions such as the following: buying or selling stolen cars, obtaining abandoned or wrecked vehicles and selling their parts, and failure to register a vehicle. Since vehicles are high-dollar items, the consequences can be extensive, likely beginning at a Class A misdemeanor and increasing to a third-degree felony if the stolen vehicle’s value is between $30,000 and $150,000.

Contact a Karnes City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Any of the aforementioned property crimes charges can put the alleged offender in hot water. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side during the defense process. Without adequate legal representation, you may be found guilty of charges that are more serious than the crime you committed, or you may be charged for a crime you were never involved in at all. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have 40 years of combined experience, and we have defended clients in all areas of criminal law. If you are facing criminal charges, call our diligent Karnes County theft defense attorneys today at 830-769-1010 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.dps.texas.gov/crimereports/18/citCh2.pdf

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.31.htm

https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2017/crime-in-the-u.s.-2017/topic-pages/larceny-theft

https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/just/features/0201_01/crimeandp.html

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.30.htm