Plano, Fort Worth & Dallas Law Firm Defending Clients Accused of Property Crimes
If you’ve been arrested for a property crime in Texas such as theft, burglary, or criminal trespass, the potential consequences can be life-changing. From jail time and steep fines to a permanent criminal record, a conviction could follow you for years. That’s why having a skilled defense attorney by your side is critical.
At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we provide aggressive and experienced legal defense for individuals accused of property crimes throughout Plano, Fort Worth, Dallas, and surrounding communities. Led by Attorney Darlina Crowder, who has secured over 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts in more than 20 years of criminal defense work, our team is ready to help you fight back.
Understanding Burglary Charges in Texas
Many people confuse theft with burglary, but under Texas law, burglary doesn’t require anything to be stolen. You can be charged with burglary simply for entering a property with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony—even if no crime was actually carried out once inside.
Types of burglary and their penalties include:
Burglary of a Non-Residential Building (e.g., store or business):
Charged as a state jail felony
Punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000
Burglary of a Habitation (a home or place where someone sleeps):
Charged as a second-degree felony
Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Burglary with Intent to Commit a Felony Other Than Theft (e.g., aggravated assault or sexual assault):
Charged as a first-degree felony
Punishable by 5 years to life in prison
Criminal Trespass Charges in Garland & McKinney
Criminal trespass is a separate offense from burglary but can still lead to serious legal consequences. You can be charged with criminal trespass if you enter or remain on property without the owner’s consent, and after receiving notice that entry is forbidden. This notice can include verbal warnings, fences, locked gates, or signage like “No Trespassing” or “Private Property.”
Penalties for criminal trespass include:
Class B Misdemeanor
Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $2,000
Class A Misdemeanor (if a deadly weapon was involved)
Up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $4,000
While these may be misdemeanor charges, a conviction can still lead to a criminal record, employment difficulties, and other long-term consequences.
Why Choose The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.
Attorney Darlina Crowder brings decades of experience and a strong track record of courtroom success. Our firm understands the serious nature of burglary and trespass charges and takes a meticulous, client-focused approach to building your defense. We work to get charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through favorable plea agreements, whenever possible.
Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation
A property crime conviction can permanently damage your reputation, career, and future opportunities. Don’t take chances—let us help you defend your name and your rights.
Call 817-936-3167 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. We represent clients in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, McKinney, Denton, Frisco, Grayson County, and the surrounding areas.
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