Burglary of a Vehicle in Texas
Austin Burglary of a Vehicle Attorney
CONTACT US TODAY AT 512-457-5200!
Burglary of a Vehicle in the State of Texas is a serious crime that may carry stiff penalties. The Texas Penal Code defines "vehicle" is as "any device in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation." Technically, the Texas Penal Code also classifies a "vehicle" as a "habitation," which means it is a private dwelling not open to the general public. Therefore, if someone enters your "vehicle," like a car, with the intent of committing a "felony or theft," then he or she is committing a "Burglary."
If the State has accused you or someone you know of Burglary in the State of Texas, you must hire a reliable criminal defense attorney who will fight for your freedom. Contact the Law Offices of Jason Trumpler today at 512-457-5200.
If someone enters either your "vehicle," or the trailer, its towing, with the intent to commit:
- A Felony; or,
- A Theft.
The State may charge that person with "Burglary." The Texas Penal Code defines "enter" to apply to any part of the body or a tool that the person is holding and using. For example, if someone were using a tool to try and unlock your car door through a cracked window, they could be accused of the act of Burglary even though their body was not in the car.
Potential Punishments
The State typically punishes theft on a ladder according to the value of the goods or services taken. The prosecutor and court handling a Burglary of a Vehicle case, however, will look at the defendant's criminal record. The State punishes Burglary of a Vehicle based on how many prior convictions the defendant has.
- First Offense
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Range of Punishment
- Up to 1 Year in the County Jail
- Up to $4,000 Fine
- Range of Punishment
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Second Offense
- Modified Class A Misdemeanor
- Range of Punishment
- Minimum Six Months in County Jail to One Year in the County Jail
- Up to $4,000 Fine
- Range of Punishment
- Modified Class A Misdemeanor
- Third Offense or More
- State Jail Felony
- Range of Punishment
- Six Months to Two Years in the State Jail
- Up to $10,000 Fine
- Range of Punishment
- State Jail Felony
Additionally, a "Burglary of a Vehicle" charge can make finding employment and housing difficult since it is a "crime of moral turpitude." Moreover, if the State enhances it to a felony, a conviction will disqualify you from most housing rentals, affect your right to vote, and prohibit you from owning a gun.
Contact Us At 512-457-5200
Jason Trumpler is an experienced criminal defense attorney who will present your side of the case to the court. He has 20 years of experience defending individuals accused of crimes and has taken over a hundred cases to jury trial. He currently practices throughout Central Texas in the following counties: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Burnet, Lee, and Bell. Contact us today at 512-457-5200.
