Rockwall Theft Attorneys

Are You Looking for the Best Rockwall Theft Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Rockwall Theft attorney, then Paul Saputo wants to represent you. We have received recognition from numerous organizations for our criminal defense work in Texas. But most significantly, our clients applaud us for consistently delivering exceptional results in challenging cases.

Our boutique criminal defense practice at Saputo Law is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently high-level legal representation. We believe in providing extraordinary service to our clients, and we seek to represent clients who expect as much.

We’re not just Rockwall Theft lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. If the police have already arrested you for Theft, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the state. You are not guilty unless and until the Rockwall District Attorney proves its case in court.

Our team of seasoned professionals has dedicated their careers to safeguarding the rights of our clients. Contact us now to start preparing your defense against Theft charges in Rockwall.

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Contact a Rockwall
Theft Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at (469) 422-7248 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Rockwall Theft Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Law | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Rockwall

How do I get a Theft charge dropped in Rockwall, Texas?

In order to get a Theft charge dropped in Rockwall, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §31.03.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Theft, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Theft statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all the the criminal laws in Texas. We analyze the Theft statute in detail on the Theft offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Theft cases in Rockwall.

One such case is Sumrow v. The State of Texas.

Sumrow v. The State of Texas

The Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas reviewed the case of Sumrow v. The State of Texas, filed under No. 05-08-00884-CR. The opinion, filed on May 5, 2010, focused on Galen Ray Sumrow’s appeal from his conviction in the 382nd Judicial District Court in Rockwall County, Texas, for theft by a public servant under Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 31.03. Sumrow, who had been a Criminal District Attorney in Rockwall County, was accused of directing state-apportioned funds, intended to defray office expenses and salaries (excluding elected officials), into his personal checking account and using a portion of those funds for personal expenses. The jury sentenced him to fifteen years’ confinement.

The appellate court affirmed the conviction, highlighting that the state funds were explicitly allocated for authorized purposes only, and by depositing these funds into his personal account and using them for personal expenses, Sumrow did not acquire rightful possession over the state. The court noted the separation between the criminal district attorney’s office and the district attorney as individuals, clarifying that the office, not Sumrow personally, had rightful claim to the funds. Witnesses testified that once the state disbursed the apportionment funds, they belonged to Rockwall County for reimbursing paid-out expenses, refuting Sumrow’s defense that he had a right to the funds.

Moreover, the court found Sumrow guilty of inducing the appropriation of these funds through deception by misleading both the state and county about the funds’ intended use and their deposit into his personal account, contrary to the legal requirement of depositing them into the county treasury.

What does a Theft charge really mean?

The Texas Penal Code defines the charge of Theft as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.

(b) Appropriation of property is unlawful if:

(1) it is without the owner’s effective consent;

(2) the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or

(3) property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockwall that Make Theft Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Theft in Rockwall. Law enforcement agencies in Rockwall that most typically make Theft arrests include:

• Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office: This agency handles law enforcement duties related to Theft cases in unincorporated areas of Rockwall County and provides support to municipal police departments.
• Rockwall Police Department: Responsible for Theft cases within the city of Rockwall.
• Royse City Police Department: Responsible for Theft cases in the city of Royse City.

How do I win a Theft case in Rockwall?

To beat a Theft charge in Rockwall, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and thoroughly investigate the case. Contest all evidence, including witness statements and forensic evidence. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Rockwall Theft attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Rockwall Theft Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Rockwall Theft case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Rockwall Theft attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Rockwall District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.

But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the groundwork that makes our cases strong.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Theft case in Rockwall, Texas?

You can expect to pay from $2,500 to $40,000 for Theft in Rockwall. Fees on these cases vary so widely because the punishment range varies so much. Most attorneys will charge less for misdemeanor-level Theft cases, while felony-level cases command a higher fee.

Many lawyers will charge a separate trial fee, pre-arrest representation fee or pre-indictment representation fee.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Theft in Rockwall

Even when falsely accused of Theft, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Rockwall District Attorney has charged you with Theft, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Rockwall Theft attorneys.

How can you modify your Rockwall bond conditions after a Theft arrest?

In Texas, judges wield considerable authority in establishing bail and bond conditions. However, there are instances where judges may impose excessively stringent conditions and unreasonably high bail amounts. If you want to change these bond conditions, start by consulting with your Rockwall Theft attorney.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at a Rockwall arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Rockwall judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Rockwall, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Theft, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Rockwall judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Rockwall Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for a Theft charge in Rockwall?

The Texas Penal Code outlines the range of punishment for all Theft convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Theft ranges from a Class C misdemeanor to a first degree felony, depending on the type and value of the stolen property.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Theft on our Theft statute page. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Rockwall Theft cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Rockwall Theft attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Theft conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

Reviews

Real client testimonial:

Incredible service. They worked with me on everything including payment and I never felt like I was talking to some corporate scumbag. If I ever have trouble again, I know who I’m calling.

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Law Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §31.03.