A theft charge is legally defined as unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive the owner of said property. Theft offenses range from a Class C Misdemeanor to a First Degree Felony. Each level comes with its own set of punishments and requirements.
Theft Law Definitions
Sec. 31.03. THEFT. (a) A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.
(b) Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
(1) it is without the owner’s effective consent;
(2) the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
(3) property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.