Catalytic Converter Theft Drops Due to Harsher Penalties

 Posted on August 26, 2024 in Theft

Texas SB 224 was signed into law on May 29 to address the rising number of catalytic converter thefts in the state. Harsher penalties make the theft of catalytic converters a felony while allowing prosecutors to treat multiple thefts as organized crimes. While this new law has resulted, at least in part, in the number of catalytic converter thefts dropping across the state, these thefts may also be dropping because of lower precious metal prices.

Regardless of why there are fewer catalytic converters being stolen, the extremely harsh penalties of the new law can result in many years in prison if you are convicted. Once a prison sentence is over, a felony conviction can have many unintended consequences, including the inability to obtain employment or even rent an apartment.

If you are facing catalytic converter theft charges, take these charges very seriously. Contact a Houston, TX theft attorney from Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C.. We will provide you with experienced legal representation, fighting hard on your behalf to avoid a conviction.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Over the past few years, the theft of catalytic converters has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2019, it was estimated that about 3,389 in 2019 and 14,433 in 2020. By 2021, those numbers had grown to 52,000, and by 2022, 153,000. A catalytic converter is a part of the car's exhaust system that limits the pollutants emitted. The device is located between the car's engine and the tailpipe and is filled with precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium.

When engine emissions contact these metals, a chemical reaction turns them into safer substances. A catalytic converter can be removed from a vehicle in mere minutes, fetching a street price of a few hundred dollars up to $1,000. Depending on the car's model, replacing the catalytic converter can cost from $300 to $2,500 for the part, plus labor costs.

The vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen are the Ford F-150 pickup, Ford Explorer, Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, and Honda CR-V.  In 2022, the state of Texas ranked second in catalytic converter thefts, with an average of 136 thefts per 100,000 vehicles.

What Are the New TX Penalties for Theft of Catalytic Converters?

The new law allows the theft of a catalytic converter to be charged as a felony. This is true even if the person is not caught in the act, provided he or she can prove the catalytic converter was lawfully purchased, which would require an invoice or other similar proof.

A person may not possess a catalytic converter that has been unlawfully removed from a vehicle, steal a catalytic converter, or buy or sell a stolen catalytic converter. Any of these offenses is known as unauthorized possession, and as a state jail felony, it can result in a fine as large as $10,000 and from six months to two years in state jail.    

Under certain circumstances, there can be enhanced penalties. If the person accused of the crime has a prior conviction for theft of a catalytic converter, the charges can increase to a third-degree felony. The same is true if the accused was in possession of a firearm while committing the crime or was engaged in organized crime.

If the value of the stolen property exceeds $30,000, the offense can be upgraded to a third-degree felony. If it exceeds $150,000, it becomes a second-degree felony, and a value in excess of $300,000 makes the theft a first-degree felony. If the person who commits the theft is in possession of a firearm, the offense can be upgraded to the next highest level.  

Contact a Houston, TX Theft Attorney to Schedule Your Free Consultation

It is important that you take steps to safeguard your rights and your future as quickly as possible after being charged with theft. A Houston, TX theft attorney from Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. will take the time to sit down with you, ask you questions, and fully understand the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges. We will exhaustively investigate your case and will never simply take the police version of events. We will then lay out your options as well as a strategic plan for the best outcome possible. Contact Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 today to schedule your free consultation.