How long can police hold you for theft? Well, like any other criminal offense in Texas, the police can arrest you. But then, you must be properly taken before a magistrate and advised to put your accused of doing, and be entitled to bail. So, typically that happens within 24 hours. But it can depend a lot on the police department, the city, and other factors.
The police can hold anybody without charging them for up to 72 hours but that typically doesn’t happen. Especially in theft offenses, anytime a person has been arrested for a theft offense, they usually know exactly what level of theft offense. They are usually promptly arraigned by a magistrate. And advised of what they’re charged with and promptly have a bond set so that they can make a bond and be released from jail. It is usually within about 24 hours of those things happen.
Summary
In Texas, if you’re arrested for theft, you’re usually taken before a magistrate within about 24 hours. They’ll tell you the charges and give you a chance to post bail for a quick release. Although the police can technically hold you for up to 72 hours without charging you, this is rare, especially for theft. Most theft offenders know their offense level when arrested, which speeds up the process.