The Texas Penal Code includes many different types of crimes. However, some crimes are more heavily prosecuted than others. Fort Bend County, situated in the southeastern part of the state of Texas is home to a range of communities, from bustling cities to quiet neighborhoods including Sugar Land, Fulshear, Rosenberg, and Richmond.
The five most common crimes in Fort Bend County, Texas are listed below.
1. Drug Offenses
Under Texas law, the unauthorized manufacture, distribution, or possession of a controlled substance is illegal. It is also unlawful to possess drug paraphernalia. Examples of controlled substances include marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.
A drug offense can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Sentences range from a Class A misdemeanor to a First-Degree Felony. The penalty depends primarily on the exact crime you are charged with, the type of drug, and the amount in your possession.
2. Theft
In Texas, the legal definition of theft is the unlawful appropriation of property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. Basically, the state can charge you with theft if you take something that does not belong to you without permission and have no plan to give it back to its owner.
The penalties for theft vary and depend primarily on the value of the property the defendant stole. A theft of property valued at less than $100 is a Class C misdemeanor, while theft of property valued above $300,000 is a first-degree felony.
3. Assault
An individual can be charged with assault in Texas if they commit one of the following three actions:
1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause another person physical harm or injury;
2. Deliberately threaten another person with imminent bodily harm; or
3. Using physical contact with a person that is knowingly offensive or provocative.
The penalties for assault vary greatly depending on the exact circumstances of the crime. Aggravated assault, which is an assault that causes serious bodily injury or involves the use of a deadly weapon, is penalized more severely than simple assault and is always charged as a felony.
4. Burglary
A person commits burglary in Texas when they:
1. Enter a habitation, a building, or any part of a building not open to the public with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault;
2. Remain concealed in a building or habitation with the intent to commit a felony, a theft, or an assault; or
3. Enter a building or habitation and commit or attempt to commit a felony, theft, or assault.
Burglary is usually charged as a state jail felony and is punishable by up to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. If it is a home burglary, it is charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
5. Robbery
A robbery occurs when an individual committing theft causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
Robbery is typically charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated robbery is classified as a first-degree felony.
Your Sugar Land Criminal Defense Lawyer – Adam Capetillo
Attorney Adam Capetillo has worked hard to establish his reputation for defending his clients with passion and skill. He is well respected by judges and prosecutors in Fort Bend County as well as nearby jurisdictions Collin and Denton counties which are a part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. As a leading Sugar Land Criminal Defense Attorney effectively protecting individuals, he is available when you are in need 24/7 – Call(346) 249-5544. If things are not urgent, message the Capetillo Law Firm online to set up a free consultation or tell us about your situation.
