Caught Stealing Catalytic Converters - What Happens Now? 

 Posted on September 05, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Catalytic converter theft in the Dallas, TX area saw more than a 1,000 percent increase over the last few years. More than 1 in 100 vehicles have catalytic converters stolen, and organized criminal groups are largely responsible.

To try to bring this problem under control, Texas has recently increased penalties for catalytic converter theft and is prosecuting those caught with stolen catalytic converters. If you are accused of stealing a car or any of its parts, contact a Plano, TX criminal defense attorney immediately.

New Texas Law Increases Penalties for Stealing Catalytic Converters

In 2023, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 224, known as the "Deputy Darren Almendarez Act," aimed at cracking down on the growing issue of catalytic converter theft. This bill, named after a Texas police officer killed in front of his wife in 2022 while trying to stop three men from stealing a catalytic converter from his car, introduces much harsher criminal penalties for stealing catalytic converters.

Under the new law, the severity of the penalty depends on the value of the stolen property. Consequences range from misdemeanors to felonies. Theft under $30,000 can result in a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail, with higher penalties for more significant thefts or theft involving violence or weapons. Additionally, the law allows for catalytic converter theft to be treated as organized crime, further increasing potential consequences.

The bill also creates a new offense for the unauthorized possession of catalytic converters and implements stricter record-keeping requirements for businesses that handle them.

Can I Get in Trouble if Someone Gives Me a Stolen Catalytic Converter? 

Not being the person who stole a catalytic converter is no longer enough to get you off the hook. Even if you are simply holding a stolen catalytic converter for someone else, you can face consequences. Unless you work in a dealership or mechanic shop or have some other job that would justify having multiple catalytic converters, simply possessing them will now mean the law will assume you stole them. Likewise, if you buy catalytic converters that you knew or should have known were stolen, at a minimum, you can face a state jail felony and may even face a third-degree felony with up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Call a Collin County, TX Theft Defense Lawyer Now

If you get busted stealing a catalytic converter in Texas, you can expect serious consequences. Police and prosecutors are cracking down on catalytic converter theft and people who get caught and convicted are often prosecuted severely to deter others from stealing. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation with The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. 's Plano, TX criminal defense attorneys and give yourself the best chance of a favorable case outcome.