Grand Theft Charges in Texas 

Everyone loves a great heist story.  Blockbuster films like Ocean’s Eleven make stealing and theft seem cool, fun, and exciting.  The thrill of the elaborate heist captures our imagination and makes for great storytelling. Unfortunately, in the real world, theft is neither cool or exciting- it’s against the law and for anyone accused of grand theft in Texas, the consequences can be devastating. 

The vast majority of people charged with grand theft in Texas are not masterminds in a Hollywood caper. They are neighbors, employees, friends, and family members who find themselves in situations that often escalated faster than they ever expected. 

Maybe you thought you had rightful access to property that someone later disputed. Maybe a misunderstanding over borrowed equipment spiraled into an accusation. Maybe you truly had good intentions but now face charges that could upend your livelihood.  Suddenly, you find yourself charged with grand theft and your world is turned upside down. 

Few people truly understand the legal term “grand theft”.  Most think of it as a bigger than life heist, a million dollar museum burglary, or even as catchy name used in video games like Grand Theft Auto.  Confusion over the meaning is no defense when the police come knocking on your door.  Many terms and language used in Texas law seem confusing but understanding what “grand theft” means is an important step to protecting your rights and avoiding legal trouble. 

If you or someone you love is facing grand theft charges in Montgomery County and you’re not sure where to turn, attorney Andrea M. Kolski is here to help.  Andrea and her team at Nonstopjustice PLLC  have spent over 25 years helping people just like you avoid jail time and avoid the drastic consequences of a grand theft conviction in Texas.   

Anyone accused of grand theft in Texas is entitled to the benefit of the doubt and needs a vigorous, strategic legal defense. It’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer who can review your situation, explain the law clearly, and fight aggressively on your behalf.  Before you consider an attorney, let’s take a look at grand theft in Texas so you can make an informed decision when the time comes.  

Grand Theft in Texas 

In Texas, the offense many people think of as “grand theft” falls under the broader theft statutes in the Texas Penal Code, Section 31.03. There is no separate statute labeled “grand theft,” but the term is commonly used to describe theft of property or services whose value is high enough that the offense is classified as a felony. At its core, theft involves taking or exercising control over someone else’s property or services “without effective consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of it.” 

In simple terms, if someone intentionally takes property that does not belong to them, and the value of that property reaches certain thresholds, the charge becomes a felony — what people refer to as grand theft. 

Texas law classifies theft and its punishment level based principally on the value of the property or services alleged to have been taken. Here are key thresholds under the current Penal Code: 

• If the value of the property taken is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, the offense is a state jail felony. 
• If the value is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, the charge is a third-degree felony. 
• If the value is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000, it becomes a second-degree felony. 
• Above $300,000, the offense is a first-degree felony.([turn0search0][turn0search1][turn0search5]) 

Texas law also includes factors that can elevate a theft charge even if the dollar value is lower, such as theft of firearms, livestock, or other specific types of property. 

Punishments That Can Follow a Conviction 

Because grand theft in Texas is treated as a felony when the value exceeds $2,500, the potential consequences are serious and life-changing. Felony penalties increase as the value of the alleged theft increases: 

• State Jail Felony: The lowest felony category still carries 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and fines up to $10,000. 

• Third-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. 

• Second-Degree Felony: Subject to 2 to 20 years in prison plus fines. 

• First-Degree Felony: The most severe theft charge, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and substantial fines.([turn0search5][turn0search8]) 

In addition to incarceration and fines, a felony theft conviction can lead to loss of civil rights, difficulties securing employment, barriers to housing, and long-term stigma. Understanding how these statutes work is critical for anyone accused of theft that could be classified as grand theft. 

Is It Grand Theft or Something Else?  

Many Texans don’t realize what constitutes grand theft because everyday language doesn’t reflect the intricacies of the Penal Code. Movies and video games like Grand Theft Auto confuse things further by treating grand theft as a distinct crime unto itself.  Put simply, under Texas law, a theft becomes “grand” when the value of the property crosses a felony threshold.  

People often assume grand theft requires malicious intent akin to professional criminal behavior, but the law focuses on what happened and what you intended to do. That means a well-meaning mistake or personal misunderstanding can escalate to felony charges depending on the circumstances and how law enforcement interprets the situation.  A key word is “interpret” when it comes to these cases.  

Here are some common scenarios where charges could be misunderstood as grand theft: 

1. A seemingly innocent borrowing situation. A college student borrows a laptop from a friend for a week, but the friend later claims they never agreed to return it. If the laptop’s value is high, the situation could be misinterpreted as theft. 

2. Dispute over property. A landscaper uses leftover materials from a job believing the client consented, but a disagreement arises afterward. The property’s value pushes charges into the felony range even though the landscaper believed they had permission. 

3. Valuable property left unattended. Someone picks up expensive tools left behind at a worksite, intending to hold them for the owner, only to be accused of taking them without consent because of a misunderstanding about rightful ownership. 

Each of these situations shows how simple misunderstandings can escalate into criminal charges, even when the person accused had no intention of wrongdoing. 

Unknowingly Crossing the Legal Lines 

Law abiding people are often shocked when they are accused of grand theft.  That’s understandable.  However, you don’t get a pass when it comes to ignorance of the law.  Some common ways innocent people end up charged include: 

• Misunderstanding ownership rights or having conflicting agreements about property use. 
• Taking actions believed to be lawful, such as repossessing items after non-payment without following proper legal procedures. 
• Borrowing tools, vehicles, or equipment with ambiguous permission that later leads to accusation. 
• Failing to understand how aggregating multiple incidents over time could raise charges into felony territory. 

In these and similar situations, getting experienced legal help early in the process can make the difference between a resolved misunderstanding and a felony conviction. 

Early Intervention and Experienced Legal Help 

If you or a loved one is accused of grand theft in Montgomery County, it’s important to get legal help sooner rather than later.  Memories fade, evidence gets misplaced, and conversations can be forgotten over time.  Getting experienced grand theft legal counsel early can make all the difference. That is where Andrea M. Kolski and the team at Nonstopjustice PLLC come in. 

As a former Texas prosecutor and defense attorney with over 25 years of practice, Andrea has successfully defended against the most serious criminal charges in Texas courts including theft, fraud, and other property offenses. Andrea’s track record of victories in a wide range of theft and criminal cases is second to none.   

Andrea’s nickname as a “pitbull in the courtroom” comes from her tenacious pursuit of justice for her clients.  As president of the Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Andrea is admired by her fellow lawyers for her depth of legal knowledge, courtroom prowess, and battle tested skills. 

Andrea and the team at Nonstopjustice PLLC understand the anxiety that comes with a grand theft accusation. The thought of jail time, fines, and a potential conviction can be overwhelming. That’s why she works closely with every client to explain the law clearly in terms that make sense, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, and craft defense strategies tailored to each unique case. 

Whether your case involves disputes about ownership, questions about intent, or challenges to valuation and evidence, Andrea’s broad experience and thoughtful approach can give you value no attorney can replicate. 

What Andrea Kolski and Her Team Can Do For You 

From the moment you first talk with Andrea, you will know you have an advocate who listens, explains your options, and puts your rights first. Her legal services for grand theft cases often include: 

• Thorough review and challenge of evidence and police reports. 
• Strategic negotiation with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible. 
• Preparation for trial and vigorous representation before judges and juries. 
• Guidance on post-trial issues, including sentencing mitigation and records relief when appropriate. 

Andrea’s extensive knowledge of both state law and the Montgomery County criminal justice system gives her clients an edge. She knows how prosecutors think, how juries react to evidence, and how to make compelling arguments that humanize defendants in the eyes of the court. 

Choosing the right attorney early in your case can make a significant difference in outcomes. Andrea supports her clients with direct communication, strategic planning, and strong courtroom presence that reflects decades of experience. 

A Wise Choice When Your Future Is at Stake 

Facing grand theft charges is frightening. It feels personal, complex, and filled with unknowns. But you don’t have to go through it alone. With Andrea M. Kolski and the team at Nonstopjustice PLLC, you gain a legal advocate who understands you, understands the law, and will defend you relentlessly. 

If you want experienced legal guidance grounded in honesty and powered by commitment, contact Andrea M. Kolski today. Your future is too important to leave in doubt. With a seasoned attorney like Andrea on your side, you gain not just representation — you gain hope and a plan. 

Deep respect from her peers, and a reputation among clients and attorneys alike as a “pitbull in the courtroom.” With Andrea on your side, hope and real legal strategy replace fear and uncertainty.