TEXAS STATE PENAL CODES
(PROPERTY CHARGES)
This section covers crimes involving the unlawful taking, destruction, or damage of property. It includes offenses such as burglary, arson, vandalism, trespassing, and theft. These laws aim to protect personal and public property rights while holding offenders accountable for economic and material harm.
Intentionally and unlawfully setting fire to property, structures, or persons.
The act must be willful and deliberate
Accidental fires or those caused by negligence do not qualify.
Unlawfully breaking and entering into building, structure, or property with the intent to commit a crime within.
The act must involve entry forced or unforced into a location where the individual has no legal right to be.
Unlawfully forcing or gaining entry into a building or structure without the consent of the owner or occupant.
The act involves entering a property without permission but without committing or intending to commit an additional crime once inside.
Deliberately defacing, marking, or damaging private property without the owner’s consent.
No irreversible or permanent damage to the property occurred.
The suspect acted with intent to cause damage or defacement.
Penalty: Fine between $500–$2,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment (Class B Misdemeanor)
The intentional or reckless destruction, defacement, or damage of civilian-owned property without the owner’s consent.
Individuals must act willfully or knowingly to cause damage, destruction, or loss of use to another person’s property.
Charge Severity(s):
Damage valued under $100 → Class C Misdemeanor
Damage valued between $100 – $749 → Class B Misdemeanor
Damage valued between $750 – $2,499 → Class A Misdemeanor
Damage valued between $2,500 – $29,999 → State Jail Felony
Damage valued between $30,000 – $149,999 → Third Degree Felony
Damage valued between $150,000 – $299,999 → Second Degree Felony
Damage valued $300,000 or more → First Degree Felony
Note:
Photographic or written documentation of the damage is required to substantiate charges.
Willful destruction, defacement, or damage to property owned by the State of Liberty or any of its state agencies, departments, or public institutions.
The charge is determined by the value and extent of the damage minor damage constitutes a misdemeanor, while severe damage or destruction resulting in significant loss is charged as a felony.
Willful destruction, vandalism, or damage to property owned or operated by local government entities, including regional, county, city, or district offices, vehicles, or facilities.
The charge level depends on the severity and value of the damage minor damage results in a misdemeanor, while extensive or intentional destruction leading to major losses is charged as a felony.
The unlawful taking, or thievery of property owned by the State of Liberty or any of its state agencies, departments, or public institutions, with the intent to permanently deprive the state of its property.
The unlawful taking, or thievery of property owned by local government entities, including counties, cities, regions, or districts, with the intent to permanently deprive the government of its property.
The unlawful taking or thievery property valued under $1,000 without the owner’s consent, with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
The unlawful taking, or thievery of property valued at $1,000 or more without the owner’s consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
The unlawful taking, or thievery of property valued at $20,000 or more, or theft involving certain high-value items regardless of exact dollar amount, with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Note:
Grand Theft differs from Theft (F), which applies to property valued at $1,000–$19,999, and from Petty Theft (M), which applies to items valued under $1,000. Felony charges apply and penalties are more severe due to the high value of stolen property.
An unlawful attempt to take, or steal property valued at $20,000 or more without the owner’s consent, even if the theft is unsuccessful, with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Note:
This differs from Grand Theft (F), which requires the property to be successfully taken. Felony charges still apply due to the intent and actions taken towards committing the theft.
The unlawful taking or thievery of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.
An unlawful attempt to take or steal a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, even if the theft is unsuccessful, with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.
Note:
This differs from Grand Theft Auto (F), which requires the vehicle to be successfully taken. Felony charges still apply due to the intent and actions taken towards committing the theft.
The unlawful taking of money or goods from another person through force, intimidation, or threat.
Includes any act where the offender intentionally seeks to obtain property or valuables from the victim against their will.
The unlawful attempt to take money or goods from another person through force, intimidation, or threat.
Includes any act where the offender intentionally seeks to obtain property or valuables from the victim against their will but fails to complete the theft.
The taking of money or goods from another person through force or intimidation while using or displaying a weapon.
Includes any act where the offender uses a weapon or object capable of causing harm to coerce the victim into surrendering property.
Intent to inflict harm or cause fear is presumed if the suspect uses the weapon to threaten or ensure compliance.
The attempted taking of money or goods from another person through force or intimidation while using or displaying a weapon.
Includes any act where the offender uses a weapon or an object capable of causing harm to coerce the victim into surrendering property. Intent to inflict harm or cause fear is presumed if the suspect uses the weapon to threaten or ensure compliance.
The act of taking items from a store without paying for them.
The offender must leave the store premises with the item.
Applies when there is clear intent not to pay for the item before exiting the store.
Lingering in or around a private area or business without a specific or lawful purpose.
Includes occupying space that obstructs pedestrian walkways or public access.
Applies to any area displaying “No Loitering” signage.
May also apply to civilians lingering or gawking at active emergency service scenes.
Penalty: Fine(s) between $100–$500
Entering or remaining on a property without the consent of the owner or lawful authority.
First Time Offence: Results in a fine(s) between $100-$500.
Upgraded to a misdemeanor on the second offense.
Upgraded to a felony if the offender is armed or the property belongs to a government entity.
Knowingly possessing property owned by a government entity without authorization.
Applies when the offender is aware the property belongs to the government and takes or retains it without permission.
Penalty: Fine(s) between $2,000–$10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 years (Class A Felony)
Knowingly possessing, receiving, or transporting property that has been stolen.
Applies to all types of stolen items, including vehicles, electronics, or other valuables.
Penalty: Fine between $2,000–$10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years, depending on the value of the property (Class A Felony)
