Property crime charges upend routines, strain relationships, and put your reputation on the line. Whether you’re accused of shoplifting, vandalism, or breaking into a vehicle, the legal system in San Antonio moves fast. One accusation can snowball, and suddenly you’re facing consequences that reach far beyond a simple misunderstanding. In these moments, you need someone who knows the system and stands ready to push back against rushed judgments and overzealous prosecution.

What We Do When Property Crime Charges Hit

When a property crime case lands on our desk, we don’t just skim the police report. We dig into the details, knowing that every case brings its own set of facts and challenges. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and even the smallest procedural misstep can change the outcome. Our team looks for the cracks, places where the story doesn’t add up or where your rights may have been ignored. We’ve seen how quickly a minor incident can escalate, and we know how to slow things down and force a closer closer look at the evidence.

• Retail Theft: Accusations range from pocketing small items to being blamed for high-value merchandise. Penalties can be severe, even for first-time offenses.
• Commercial Burglary: Alleged break-ins at businesses or storage units often lead to felony charges, with prosecutors pushing for the maximum. Burglary cases require a strategic approach to challenge the prosecution's narrative.
• Criminal Mischief: Vandalism and property damage cases hinge on repair costs, but inflated estimates can push charges higher than they should be.
• Mail Theft: Federal authorities get involved quickly, and these cases demand immediate, strategic action. Federal crimes often carry harsher penalties and require specialized defense methods.
• Vehicle Break-ins: Auto burglary charges carry real risk of jail time, especially if there’s a history of similar accusations.

How We Handle Texas Property Crime Penalties

Penalties for property crimes in Texas don’t just depend on what happened. They hinge on the value assigned to the property and the specific charge. We’ve seen cases where a few dollars’ difference changes everything. For many, the real shock comes later, when a conviction lingers on background checks and blocks job opportunities. Our approach focuses on limiting these long-term effects, not just fighting the immediate charge. Expungements and record sealing can be important for minimizing the impact of a conviction.

• Class C Misdemeanor: Theft under $100 usually means a fine, but even this can leave a mark on your record.
• Class B Misdemeanor: Theft between $100 and $750 brings the threat of jail time, up to 180 days.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Property crimes valued from $750 to $2,500 can lead to a year behind bars.
• State Jail Felony: Damages over $2,500 open the door to years in state jail, with prosecutors rarely showing leniency.

Our Approach to Defending Property Crime Cases

With property crime charges, the details matter more than most realize. We start by questioning the evidence. Was the surveillance footage clear, or did shadows and angles create confusion? Did witnesses actually see what they claim, or are their memories already fading? We also look at intent, because not every accusation involves criminal purpose. Sometimes, a misunderstanding over ownership or a dispute about value can make all the difference. And when police cut corners on search or seizure, we’re ready to challenge every step. Criminal defense strategies are customized to the unique facts of each case.

• Evidence Analysis: We scrutinize video quality and challenge unreliable witness accounts, exposing gaps in the prosecution’s case.
• Intent Examination: We show when there’s no criminal intent, especially in cases of mistaken ownership or honest error.
• Value Disputes: We contest inflated property valuations that push charges into harsher categories.
• Rights Protection: We hold law enforcement accountable for every search and seizure, making sure your rights stay intact. FAQ resources can help clarify your rights during the legal process.

What Sets Our Defense Apart

Every property crime case brings its own set of facts, personalities, and pressures. We’ve handled cases from the northwest neighborhoods to the heart of downtown San Antonio, and we know how local courts operate. Our experience means we spot the details others miss. Camera angles that don’t tell the whole story, witness statements that shift over time, and paperwork that doesn’t line up. We don’t just react; we anticipate, building a defense that fits your situation and pushes for the best possible outcome.

Protect Your Rights Today

Call us at 210-545-3850 or schedule a consultation to discuss your property crime defense options with the Law Offices of Gary Churak