Texas sees a high number of criminal charges every year. The state is large and has many cities with different problems. However, some crimes occur more often than others. If you’re facing a charge, it helps to understand what types of crimes are most common. Most people call lawyers in Frisco, TX, to deal with charges like theft, drug possession, or assault. Knowing which crimes are most commonly charged can help you better grasp what you’re up against and what kind of legal help you might need.
1. Theft and Property Crimes
Theft is one of the most common crimes in Texas. This includes shoplifting, burglary, and car theft. Some steal out of necessity. Others steal on impulse or by compulsion. In either case, these crimes have severe consequences. Even a trivial charge of theft can follow an individual for many years. Under Texas law, the value of the stolen object matters. Taking something worth under $100 is a misdemeanor, but taking property worth over $2,500 can lead to felony charges. Those charged with theft typically receive jail time, fines, and loss of reputation.
2. Drug Offenses
Drug offenses are another general category. Possessing marijuana, cocaine, meth, or prescription drugs without a prescription is common. Texas drug laws are tough. One may be arrested with a small quantity of drugs. Punishments depend on the drug and the amount. Others get caught with drugs for their own use. Others get charged with intent to distribute or trafficking. These are harsh charges, especially if you’ve got a past record. These drug charges affect your job, your family and friends, and your future life.
3. Assault and Family Violence
The Assault charges in Texas are at an all-time high as well. These comprise wounding or threatening to hurt someone. It may happen over a fight, a domestic flare-up, or a furious outburst. Ninety-five percent of the time, however, things go emotional and physical. That is handled very seriously by law. Even a simple slap or push can be assault. And when it occurs in the family or spousal relationship, that is family violence. That adds weight to the charge. Protective orders may be issued, and the accused person may lose the right to see the children or even remain in the house.
4. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
DWIs are often charged across the state. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone at risk. In Texas, if your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher, you’re legally drunk. First-time offenders might get probation, but repeat offenders face jail time, license suspension, and high fines. In some cases, the court orders the use of an ignition interlock device. That’s how you have to blow into a breathalyzer to start driving your vehicle. DWI charges can also raise your automobile insurance costs and damage your job prospects.
5. Weapons Charges
Texas gun laws are strict, but not all situations are protected. Illegal weapon carrying, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, or weapon carrying in a prohibited area can all lead to charges. The majority of people think they are justified, but the law does not always make itself clear. Weapon charges are tricky. Punishments depend on what weapon it is, where the weapon was carried, and the offender’s criminal history.
Even with a legal gun, you may be charged if you break some rules.
6. White-Collar Crimes
These crimes are not violent but carry very heavy penalties. Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and credit card fraud fall under this category. These crimes usually have a paper trail and take a lot of time to investigate. A federal criminal defense lawyer in Frisco, TX, usually has a role to play in such cases, especially if the crime involves crossing state lines or huge amounts of money. Despite being less physically threatening than violent crimes, white-collar charges can land defendants with years in prison and colossal fines.
Texas courts resolve thousands of criminal cases each year. Theft, drug offenses, assault, DWI, weapons offenses, and white-collar offenses are just a few of the most common. If you or someone you know has been charged with one of these crimes, don’t wait. Call on the help of an attorney who knows Texas law. A good defense can be the difference in your case. Knowledge is the first step to defending your rights and your future.
