Section 31.03(e) of the Texas Penal Code outlines the penalties for theft under Texas law. The penalties are more severe as the value of the stolen property increases. In 2015, the penalty scheme for Theft changed by increasing the the value thresholds for each each penalty grade.
For offenses that occurred on or after September 1, 2015, the Theft offense is punished according to the following scheme:
Theft under $100 is a Class C Misdemeanor (punishable by a fine up to $500).
Theft between $100 and $750 is a Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine). If the value of the stolen property is under $100, it is still a Class B Misdemeanor theft if you have been previously convicted of theft of if the property stolen was an identification card like a driver’s license.
Theft between $750 and $2,500 is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4000 fine.
Theft between $2,500 and $30,000 is a state jail felony. Also punishable as a state jail felony is 1) theft of a firearm, 2) a third theft conviction (even if the value of the stolen property on the third case is less than $2,500), 3) any theft under $20,000 if the theft is a metal including aluminum, copper, brass and copper, 4) an official election ballot, 5) theft from a grave and 6) certain thefts of livestock.
Theft between $30,000 and $150,000 is a third degree felony. Certain thefts of livestock are also thefts of the third degree. Also, effective as of 2017, certain thefts of controlled substances are also third degree felonies.
Theft between $150,000 and $300,000 is a second degree felony. Also, thefts of ATM machines are second degree felonies, even if the value is under $300,000.
Any Theft over $300,000 is a first degree felony.