Theft and Shoplifting Bail Bonds in Houston: Charges, Bond Amounts, and How Fast You Can Get Out
If someone you care about was arrested for theft or shoplifting in Houston, you probably have a lot of questions. How serious is the charge? How much is bail? How quickly can you get them out? This guide breaks it all down so you can act with confidence.
How Texas Classifies Theft and Shoplifting Charges
In Texas, theft is a broad charge that covers shoplifting, robbery, and many other offenses. The severity of the charge depends on the value of what was allegedly stolen. Harris County prosecutors follow the Texas Penal Code when determining what level of charge to file.
Theft Charge Levels in Texas
Here is how Texas breaks down theft charges by value:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Value under $100. No jail time, fine only.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Value between $100 and $749. Up to 180 days in jail.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Value between $750 and $2,499. Up to one year in jail.
- State Jail Felony: Value between $2,500 and $29,999. 180 days to 2 years in state jail.
- Third-Degree Felony: Value between $30,000 and $149,999. 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Second-Degree Felony: Value between $150,000 and $299,999. 2 to 20 years in prison.
- First-Degree Felony: Value $300,000 or more. 5 to 99 years in prison.
Prior theft convictions can elevate the charge level, even for a lower-value offense. A person with two prior theft convictions could face a higher charge regardless of the amount stolen.
What Bail Amounts Look Like for Theft in Harris County
Bail amounts for theft charges in Harris County vary based on the charge level, the defendant’s criminal history, and the judge’s discretion. Misdemeanor shoplifting bail is typically on the lower end, while felony theft charges can result in significantly higher bond amounts.
For misdemeanor theft, bail is often set in the range of a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. For state jail felonies and higher, bonds can climb into the tens of thousands. A bail bondsman can help you secure release for a fraction of that total by paying a non-refundable premium, typically 10 percent of the bond amount in Texas.
How Quickly Can Someone Get Out After a Theft Arrest in Houston?
After an arrest in Harris County, the booking process typically takes several hours. Once booking is complete and bail is set, a licensed bail bondsman can often secure release within a few hours. The fastest releases happen when the bondsman is contacted early and the paperwork moves quickly through the jail system.
If bail has not been set yet, a magistrate will typically set bail at a hearing shortly after booking. For minor misdemeanor charges, this can happen within 24 hours. For felony charges, it may take a bit longer.
Godfather’s Bail Bonds handles theft and shoplifting cases across Harris County and is available to start the process as soon as bail is set. Visit our bail bonds Houston page to learn more about how we work.
What You Need to Get the Bond Process Started
To get someone released on a theft charge bail bond, you will generally need the defendant’s full name, the jail location, the charge and bail amount, and the premium payment. Collateral may also be required for larger bonds. Our team can walk you through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
In Texas, bail bond premiums are typically 10 percent of the total bail amount set by the court. For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the bondsman’s fee would be $500. This premium is non-refundable.
It is possible, but it depends on how quickly the jail processes the booking and whether bail has been set. Once bail is set and a bondsman is contacted, same-day release can happen in many cases.
A theft conviction can remain on your record unless it is expunged or sealed through legal processes. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney is important after any theft arrest.
If bail cannot be paid, the person remains in custody until their court date. A bail bondsman allows families to secure release by paying only a percentage of the total bail amount rather than the full amount upfront.