Theft, Burglary & Property Crimes Attorney in Cameron County
Janie Jaimez, Attorney at Law
Charged with Theft, Burglary, or a Property Crime in Cameron County?
A theft or property crime charge can move from a misdemeanor to a felony fast, depending on what was allegedly taken, how it happened, and your record. As a former Cameron County prosecutor, Janie Jaimez has seen these cases from both sides — she knows how they're built, and how to challenge them. Se habla español. Call 956-793-5033 for a consultation.
Types of Theft & Property Crimes in Texas
Texas law treats "theft" and "property crimes" as a wide range of offenses, from a first-time charge to an armed robbery. Janie defends clients across the full spectrum, including:
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Theft — unlawfully taking property with intent to deprive the owner of it. Severity under Texas's theft law is driven almost entirely by the dollar value involved.
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Burglary of a Habitation or Building — entering a home or building without consent, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault.
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Burglary of a Vehicle — breaking into or entering a vehicle without the owner's consent with intent to commit theft or a felony.
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Robbery & Aggravated Robbery — theft involving force, threat, or a weapon. Aggravated robbery (serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, or a victim who is elderly or disabled) carries the most severe penalties in this category.
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Criminal Trespass — entering or remaining on property without consent after notice not to.
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Arson — intentionally or knowingly starting a fire or explosion that damages property.
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Criminal Mischief — intentionally damaging or destroying someone else's property.
Penalties for Theft & Property Crimes in Texas
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Theft under $100: Class C misdemeanor (fine only)
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Theft $100–$750: Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail)
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Theft $750–$2,500: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail)
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Theft $2,500–$30,000: State jail felony
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Theft $30,000–$150,000: Third-degree felony (2–10 years)
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Theft $150,000–$300,000: Second-degree felony (2–20 years)
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Theft $300,000+: First-degree felony (5–99 years or life)
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Class B theft is also punishable by a fine of $2,000
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Class A theft is also punishable by a fine of $4,000
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State jail felony is punishable by 180 days to 2 years fine up to $10,000
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All of the other felonies add $10,000 fine
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Burglary of a Habitation: Second-degree felony, up to first-degree if a felony other than theft was committed or attempted inside
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Burglary of a Vehicle: Typically a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, escalating with prior convictions
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Robbery: Second-degree felony (2–20 years)
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Aggravated Robbery: First-degree felony (5–99 years or life)
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Note: Certain circumstances automatically enhance a charge regardless of value and based on previous convictions the offense level will be enhanced by a degree.
What Janie Reviews in Every Theft & Property Case
Every case turns on specific facts, and Janie digs into all of them before deciding on a strategy:
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How the value of the property was calculated, and whether it was calculated correctly
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Whether there's evidence of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property
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How the evidence was gathered — search and seizure issues are common in these cases
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Whether restitution, deferred adjudication, or a reduced charge is realistic given the facts
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Prior record and how it affects sentencing exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a first theft charge always a misdemeanor?
Not necessarily. It depends entirely on the value of the property involved.
It depends on the evidence, your record, and the specific facts of the case. Janie reviews every case individually before advising on next steps.
Can a property crime charge be reduced or dismissed?
Even a low-level charge creates a record that can affect future opportunities. It's worth a consultation before deciding how to handle it.
Do I need a lawyer for a Class C theft charge?
Additional Resources
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Texas Penal Code — Theft offenses (Chapter 31)
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Texas Penal Code — Burglary and Criminal Trespass (Chapter 30)
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Cameron County District Attorney's Office
Janie represents clients throughout Cameron County, including Brownsville criminal defense cases and Harlingen criminal matters.
29 Avalon Dr, Brownsville, TX 78520
(281) 779-4053
Serving the Rio Grande Valley