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As Seen On
Collin County Criminal Courts Guide
By Attorney Deandra Grant
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Collin County, understanding how the local courts work can make the process far less confusing. This guide explains where cases are heard, what each court handles, and what you can expect as your case moves through the system.
Read NowFrisco Theft Defense Attorneys
The charge level and penalty range for theft are determined almost entirely by the value of the property alleged to have been stolen. Texas significantly updated those value thresholds in 2016, raising them across the board. Many penalty descriptions published online still reflect the pre-2016 numbers, which are wrong.
Class C misdemeanor theft cases may be handled initially by the Frisco Municipal Court, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034.
Which county handles your case. Frisco straddles both Collin and Denton counties. The county in which the alleged theft offense occurred determines which DA’s office prosecutes it and which courthouse hears it. Cases arising in the Collin County portion of Frisco are prosecuted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office and heard at the Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071. Cases arising in the Denton County portion of Frisco are prosecuted by the Denton County District Attorney’s Office and heard at the Denton County Courthouse, 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. Deandra Grant Law has offices in Allen and Denton and handles cases in both counties. If you are unsure which county applies to your case, we will identify it at the outset of the representation.
Deandra Grant Law has defended theft charges in both Collin and Denton counties for more than 30 years. The intent element, the value evidence, and the lawfulness of the search are where these cases are defended.
Texas Theft Penalty Structure — Current Law (Post-HB 1396, Effective January 1, 2016)
Texas Penal Code §31.03 defines theft and establishes the value-based penalty ladder. The following thresholds have been in effect since January 1, 2016:
- Less than $100: Class C misdemeanor — fine only, up to $500.
- $100 to less than $750: Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days in county jail, fine up to $2,000.
- $750 to less than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in county jail, fine up to $4,000.
- $2,500 to less than $30,000: State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in state jail, fine up to $10,000.
- $30,000 to less than $150,000: Third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in TDCJ, fine up to $10,000.
- $150,000 to less than $300,000: Second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in TDCJ, fine up to $10,000.
- $300,000 or more: First-degree felony — 5 to 99 years or life in TDCJ, fine up to $10,000.
Enhancements: theft from a person 65 years of age or older is enhanced one penalty level. Theft by a public servant from assets under their custody is also enhanced. Prior theft convictions can be aggregated with the current charge to reach a higher value threshold.
Defense Strategies in Frisco Theft Cases
The intent element. Theft requires proof that the defendant intended to deprive the owner of the property. Mistake (ex. genuinely forgetting to pay, accidentally walking out with merchandise, or misunderstanding the terms of a transaction) negates the intent element. A defendant who had a good-faith belief that they had a right to the property may have a claim of right defense. These are legitimate legal arguments, not admissions of wrongdoing.
The value evidence. The prosecution must prove the value of the property meets the threshold for the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. “Value” under Texas law is the fair market value at the time and place of the offense and not necessarily the retail price. For damaged or used goods, the replacement value may be lower than what the prosecution claims. The value calculation is a factual issue subject to challenge.
Consent and authorization. Appropriation is not unlawful if the owner consented or if the defendant reasonably believed the owner consented. In employee theft cases involving ambiguous authorization, the consent defense is frequently raised.
Article 38.23. Texas’s exclusionary rule carries no good faith exception. Evidence from an unlawful search of a vehicle, bag, or person is suppressible.
Digital and surveillance evidence. Frisco theft cases frequently involve surveillance footage from Stonebriar Centre, Legacy West, The Star, and the Preston Road and Dallas North Tollway corridors. Douglas Huff’s digital forensics training covers authentication, chain of custody, and technical evaluation at the data level.
Deferred Adjudication: Available for Theft
Deferred adjudication is available for most theft offenses in both Collin and Denton counties. Successful completion results in dismissal rather than a final conviction, and the charge becomes eligible for non-disclosure in most circumstances. For first-time defendants, deferred adjudication is often the most important tool in minimizing long-term consequences.
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Why Deandra Grant Law for Frisco Theft Defense
- Both Collin and Denton County courts. Frisco cases can land in either county depending on where the offense occurred. Deandra Grant Law has offices in Allen and Denton and handles criminal defense in both counties which means the same attorneys, the same credentials, both courthouses.
- 30+ years in North Texas courts. 500+ trials to verdict statewide. The Collin County and Denton County courthouses and DA’s offices are familiar ground.
- Article 38.23 — no good faith exception. Every theft case begins with the lawfulness of the search or seizure that produced the evidence.
- Digital forensics training — Douglas Huff. Surveillance footage, digital transaction records, and access logs evaluated at the technical level.
- 17 published law books. Including A First Offender’s Guide to Texas Criminal Courts
- Texas Super Lawyer since 2011. AV® Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
If you are facing theft charges in the Frisco area, call (214) 225-7117 for a free, confidential consultation. Or schedule online at texasdwisite.com.
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