Theft, Burglary & Robbery Charges in Texas

Overview

If you’ve been charged with theft, burglary, or robbery in Texas, you’re facing more than just a criminal record—you’re facing a permanent reputation as a thief or violent offender, years in prison, and a lifetime of consequences that don’t go away.

Whether the state is accusing you of stealing a lawnmower or pulling off an armed robbery, you need a lawyer who can challenge every step of their case—from the investigation to the arrest to the courtroom. I’m that lawyer. I’m also a licensed private investigator, which means I don’t just rely on the discovery the state hands over—I dig deeper. I find what others miss. I defend people like you every day, and I don’t back down.

What’s the Difference Between Theft, Burglary & Robbery in Texas?

Theft (Penal Code § 31.03)
– Taking someone else’s property without their consent and intending to keep it. This includes shoplifting, embezzlement, and fraud.
– Penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor (under $100) to a first-degree felony (over $300,000).
– Even a petty theft can destroy your job prospects, housing options, and future. Don’t ignore it.

Burglary (Penal Code § 30.02)
– Entering a building or habitation without permission with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault inside.
– Even walking into an open garage or unlocked home can be charged as burglary of a habitation—a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison.
– If it’s a business, you’re looking at a third-degree felony. If it’s a home, the stakes are even higher.

Robbery (Penal Code § 29.02)
– Theft + force, threats, or bodily injury.
– This is a violent felony, even if no weapon was used.
– If a weapon was involved, you’re looking at Aggravated Robbery (Penal Code § 29.03) — a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life.

Here’s What I’ll Do Differently Than Other Lawyers

Most defense attorneys read the police report and wait for a plea offer. That’s not how I work.

• I’ll investigate how the police identified you. Was it a photo lineup? A single eyewitness? A mistaken identity?

• I’ll check every video, every store camera, every ring doorbell in the area that the cops didn’t bother to review.

• If the state says you “confessed,” I’ll dismantle that confession—was it coerced, misleading, or taken illegally?

• I’ll bring in experts in fingerprinting, surveillance video, GPS tracking, and forensic accounting when needed.

If your rights were violated, if the state overcharged the case, or if they can’t prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt—I’ll expose it.

Common Defense Strategies in Theft-Related Charges

• Mistaken identity – You weren’t the person on camera or at the scene.

• Lack of intent – You didn’t intend to steal; it was a misunderstanding or a civil dispute.

• No entry with intent – For burglary charges, the state must prove you entered with a specific criminal intent.

• Duress or coercion – Someone else forced or manipulated you into participating.

• Illegal search or seizure – If the property was “found” after an illegal search, we’ll move to suppress it.

• Property was abandoned or not clearly owned by someone else – This can dismantle the “theft” element.

Real Talk: What the State Doesn’t Want You to Know

If you’re accused of theft, burglary, or robbery, the state wants to lock you up—even if they have weak evidence. They may throw in enhancement charges (like engaging in organized criminal activity) just to scare you into a plea.

I’ve defended clients who:

• Were accused of burglary but never entered the home

• Were charged with robbery after a shoplifting case where a clerk claimed they “felt threatened”

• Were tied to a theft ring based only on text messages or GPS data

• Confessed after hours of pressure with no lawyer present

If you’re dealing with something like this, call me before you say another word to anyone.

You Only Get One Shot to Get This Right

You don’t want a plea deal you regret for the rest of your life.
You don’t want to find out—after it’s too late—that the evidence could have been suppressed.
You don’t want to realize you hired the wrong lawyer… at sentencing.

I Charge One Fee. It Covers the Whole Case. Trial Included.

Most defense lawyers in Texas charge you to “review discovery,” then charge you again if you go to trial. I don’t. I charge one flat fee—no upsell, no games. And my team of licensed investigators is included at no extra charge.

I’ve even accepted boats, RVs, motorcycles, and real estate in trade. If your case is serious, I’ll work with you.

Call or Text 24/7: (361) 648-1759

Richard Hinds, JD/PI – Criminal Defense Attorney & Licensed Investigator Serving Victoria, Cuero, Port Lavaca, Goliad, Edna, Refugio, Hallettsville & Surrounding Counties

Arrested for Theft, Burglary, or Robbery? STFU. Don’t Talk to Police. Call Me First.

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