Theft Charge Worksheet
Theft Charge Worksheet
A worksheet to record the facts of a Texas theft charge, where the alleged value sets the level of the offense.
Your case at a glance
How value sets the level
Texas law defines theft and ties the level of the offense to the alleged value of the property or service, from a Class C misdemeanor for the smallest amounts up to a felony for larger ones.[1] Recording the alleged value and what it is based on helps the defense test it.
What happened, in your own words
Write what is remembered while it is fresh. What is shared with the firm in confidence is protected.[2]
Bring these to your meeting
- Any citation, ticket, or charging paperwork
- Bond paperwork and a written list of every bond condition
- Any police report, incident report, or affidavit that was provided
- Every court notice or letter received about the case
- A photo ID and the cause or case number
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Anything signed about the case, and names of anyone who has made contact about it
Questions for Forrest Good
Write the questions to be answered, so nothing gets forgotten at the meeting.
Know where you stand
A person charged with a crime has the right to a lawyer.[4][5] A person is presumed innocent, and the State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.[3] Any Texas attorney’s license and standing can be confirmed through the State Bar of Texas.[6]
Sources
- Tex. Penal Code Sec. 31.03 (theft; value ladder setting the offense level) [source]
- Tex. Disciplinary Rules Prof'l Conduct R. 1.05 (confidentiality of client information) [source]
- Tex. Penal Code Sec. 2.01 (presumption of innocence; proof beyond a reasonable doubt) [source]
- U.S. Const. amend. VI (right to the assistance of counsel) [source]
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 1.051 (right to representation by counsel) [source]
- State Bar of Texas, Find a Lawyer (verify an attorney's license and standing) [source]
