Theft charges can range from a Class C Misdemeanor to a First Degree Felony. The level of the charge depends on the amount or value of property stolen, how the property was stolen, or from where the property was stolen.

It is a Class C misdemeanor if the value of property is less than $100. It is a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property is between $100 and $750. A person can also be charged with a Class B misdemeanor when the value is under $100 when that person has a prior conviction for any level of theft. Most cases of theft in the courts are of the Class B variety because most arrests are for shoplifting at the grocery store or Walmart. The law allows for a cite and release in this type of offense. In other words, if you are believed to have committed a Class B theft then the officer has option to give you a ticket and allow you to show up at a later date for processing. This practice is only followed in Travis County when the suspect lives in Travis County. It is a Class A misdemeanor if the value is between $750 and $2500. Generally, it is a State Jail Felony when the value of the property is between $2500 and $30,000. Additionally, when a person has two prior convictions for theft a third arrest can be enhanced to a State Jail Felony. Theft from a person is a State Jail Felony regardless of the value.