If you have been charged with Theft of Service contact an attorney immediately.
Generally speaking a person commits theft of service when they have services performed for them with the intent to avoid payment. This can occur in many ways:
- If you obtain services through deception or threat
- If you divert another’s services to your own benefit or someone else who is not entitled to them.
- If you have control over property because you are renting it and keeps the property beyond the expiration date without the consent of the owner.
- If you agree to provide compensation for a service and then after the service is performed fail to make payment after receiving demands for payment.
The law assumes intent if you left without paying or refused to pay for a service where payment is usually made immediately, where you fail to make a payment within ten days of receiving a demand latter, where you return rented property after expiration and fail to pay rental charges within ten days of receiving demand and in certain other circumstances.
Theft of Service in Harris County can range from a class C misdemeanor or Class A misdemeanor all the way to a first degree felony depending on the value of the services.
If you have been accused of Theft of Services in Houston, Galveston, Fort Bend, Brazoria County or Montgomery County it is a serious offense and you should contact an attorney. Do not make statements to anyone without first speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you or someone you know has been charged with Theft of Service please call us at 713-651-1444 or fill out an online contact form for a free consultation.