Theft Crimes No Gimmicks. Just Grit.

Theft Crimes Attorney in Williamson County

Board-Certified. 10 Years as a Prosecutor. Defending Theft Charges in Williamson County.

A theft charge in Williamson County carries consequences that extend well beyond any fine or jail sentence. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can close doors to employment, housing, and professional licensing. Whether you’re facing a Class B misdemeanor or a felony charge, acting quickly gives your defense the most room to work.

At The Law Office of Todd Nickle, we defend clients facing theft charges throughout Williamson County. Attorney Todd Nickle brings 27 years of criminal law experience to every case, including 10 years spent as a prosecutor building and presenting criminal cases for the state. That background means he understands how these cases are assembled, where the evidence is vulnerable, and how to challenge what the prosecution is relying on.

Facing a theft charge in Williamson County? We’re available 24/7. Call (737) 215-3408 now to speak with us directly.

Why Williamson County Theft Defendants Work with Our Firm

Board Certification in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization sets Todd Nickle apart from the majority of defense attorneys in Texas. Fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys hold this credential, which requires demonstrated competency, peer recognition, and a rigorous examination process.

His 10 years as a prosecutor give our defense a concrete operational advantage. Having built criminal cases from the inside, Todd Nickle knows how the state organizes its evidence, how it anticipates challenges, and where those cases tend to break down. That insight shapes how we approach every theft case from day one.

Over 100 jury trials on record means we don’t treat trial preparation as a formality. Prosecutors know we’re ready to take a case to court, and that strengthens our position in every negotiation. Every client works directly with Todd Nickle throughout their case. No hand-offs to associates, no gaps in communication, no surprises.

Theft Charges Under Texas Law

Under the Texas Penal Code, theft occurs when a person unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of it. That definition covers a wide range of conduct. Common charge types include retail theft (shoplifting), theft by check when funds are insufficient and restitution isn’t made after notice, theft of services, organized retail theft, and receiving stolen property.

Robbery and burglary are related but distinct offenses under Texas law, carrying their own classifications and penalties separate from the theft statute. The charge type matters, not just the dollar value involved. The identity of the victim, the type of property, and any prior theft convictions can all affect how a charge is classified before the value of the property is even considered.

Texas Theft Penalty Tiers by Property Value

Texas classifies theft charges on a scale tied primarily to the value of the stolen property. Here is the full range under current Texas Penal Code classifications:

Texas theft penalty classifications:

Class C misdemeanor: Property valued under $100; fine up to $500, no jail time
Class B misdemeanor: Property valued $100 to $750; up to 180 days in jail
Class A misdemeanor: Property valued $750 to $2,500; up to 1 year in jail
State jail felony: Property valued $2,500 to $30,000; up to 2 years in state jail
Third-degree felony: Property valued $30,000 to $150,000; up to 10 years in prison
Second-degree felony: Property valued $150,000 to $300,000; up to 20 years in prison
First-degree felony: Property valued $300,000 or more; up to life in prison

Several factors can push a charge into a higher tier regardless of property value. Penalty enhancements apply when the victim is 65 or older, when the defendant was a public servant who used that status to commit the theft, when the actor was a Medicare provider and the property came into their control through that role, or when a firearm was involved. Prior theft convictions can also elevate the classification on a new case even when the current property value would otherwise support a lower tier.

Continue Reading Read Less

Real Defense Starts With Real Experience

Get Courtroom Confidence With A Personal touch

Personalized, Strategic Defense
Every case is different. We build customized defense strategies and works directly with clients, offering responsive, one-on-one representation.
Former Prosecutor Insight
After years of experience at the DA’s office handling everything from felonies to capital murder, Todd Nickle knows how prosecutors think—and how to counter them.
Board Certified in Criminal Law

As a Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Todd Nickle holds a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of attorneys statewide.
Proven Trial Experience
With over 100 jury trials under his belt, Todd Nickle thrives in the courtroom. He’s not afraid to go to trial—and he knows how to win.

How Prosecutorial Experience Shapes Our Theft Defense

Todd Nickle spent a decade as a prosecutor watching how criminal cases are built from arrest through charging. He knows which evidence prosecutors rely on most, how value estimates get assigned and sometimes inflated, and where procedural shortcuts create vulnerability in the state’s case. That knowledge directly informs how we review evidence, identify gaps, and develop a defense strategy.

Defense strategies in theft cases can include challenging the assigned value of the stolen property to reduce the charge tier, establishing that the defendant lacked the required intent, contesting misidentification, raising ownership or consent disputes, or seeking suppression of evidence obtained through improper police procedures. Getting involved early, before charges are formally filed or shortly after an arrest, gives us the most room to investigate and intervene.

In Williamson County, misdemeanor theft cases are heard in the county courts at law and felony theft cases are heard in the district courts, both at the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown. We practice in these courts regularly and understand how cases move through them.

Contact a Theft Crime Lawyer in Williamson County

If you or someone you know has been charged with theft in Williamson County, don’t wait to get counsel involved. Earlier action means more options. The Law Office of Todd Nickle is available 24/7, including nights and weekends.

Call (737) 215-3408 now to speak directly with Todd Nickle about your theft case. We serve clients throughout Williamson County and are ready to go to work for you.

Common Defense Strategies in Williamson County Theft Cases

Every theft case turns on specific facts, and the right defense depends on where those facts create room to challenge the state’s evidence. Several defense strategies come up regularly in theft cases under Texas law.

Lack of Intent
Theft requires the state to prove the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. An accidental taking or a genuine belief of ownership can negate this element entirely, and the prosecution bears the burden of establishing intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mistaken Identity
Theft charges sometimes rest on unclear surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts taken under imperfect conditions. Challenging the reliability of identification evidence can undermine the foundation of the prosecution’s case.

Ownership or Consent
If the defendant had reason to believe they had permission to take or use the property, or genuinely disputed who owned it, that belief can serve as a defense to the charge.

Entrapment
When law enforcement induced a defendant to commit theft they wouldn’t otherwise have committed, entrapment may be a viable defense depending on the facts and how the conduct unfolded.

Procedural & Constitutional Violations
Evidence obtained without a valid warrant, through an unlawful search, or in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights may be suppressed. Removing that evidence from the state’s case can significantly weaken the prosecution.

Value Disputes
The dollar value assigned to stolen property determines which charge tier applies. Challenging an inflated or improperly estimated value can result in a reduced classification, which directly affects the potential penalties a defendant faces.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 737-215-3408 today!

Should I hire a local attorney for a case in Williamson County or Travis County?

Yes. Every county in Texas has its own way of doing things. A local attorney who knows the Wilco and Austin-area court systems can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and resolved.
Are you familiar with the local courts in Williamson County (Wilco) and Greater Austin?

Yes. We appear regularly in both Williamson County courts and Travis County courts. Our local knowledge of judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures helps us build strong, informed defenses for our clients.
Do you only take cases in Georgetown and Austin?

While our offices are in Georgetown and Austin, we handle criminal defense cases across all of Williamson County (Wilco)—including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Liberty Hill, Taylor, and surrounding communities—as well as throughout Travis County, Hays County, and other parts of Central Texas.
What areas do you serve?

We represent clients throughout Williamson County (Wilco) and the Greater Austin Area. Our offices are conveniently located in Georgetown, TX and Austin, TX, but we regularly handle cases across a broad region.
What evidence is involved in white-collar crime cases?

Evidence in white-collar cases often includes extensive documentation like emails, contracts, and financial records. Prosecutors rely on this trail to build their case, which makes challenging the validity or interpretation of the evidence crucial.

View All FAQ

View All Reviews

“Very Professional”
“I definitely feel like I got fair representation and would recommend him to anyone.”

- Dylan A.
“Fantastic Job”
“He was always very responsive to me while following up proactively with all parties to bring the case to a close. Highly recommend Todd!”

- Peter T.
“We Use Him for Everything”
“Todd was a great lawyer. I hired him for a case first time 3 years ago and he provided me with a good outcome. Since then, I have personally had to use him 2 more times, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.”

- Kazim M.
“Walked Me Through the Process Flawlessly”
“Dealing with a federal charge as a court appointment attorney, his advice was sound and in my best interest overall. Though he wasn’t a lawyer I hired, he still treated me with respect and walked me through the whole process flawlessly.”

- Teryn S.
“He Never Quit”
“Todd fought hard and won a dismissal of my case. We knew it would be an uphill battle but he never quit.”

- Former Client
“So Thankful for Mr. Nickle's Representation”
“He worked really hard and ultimately got all the cases dismissed. Our kid is doing great now and we are so thrilled to have this behind us.”

- K.E.

get An Attorney Built for Battle

Start Today With A Free Consultation

After over 100 jury trials, Todd Nickle knows what it takes to win. Call (737) 215-3408 today or fill out the form below to get experience on your side.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Todd Nickle at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy