

How Theft and Fraud Convictions Affect Your Life in Texas

How Theft and Fraud Convictions Affect Your Life in Texas
A conviction for theft or fraud in Texas carries more than just a sentence handed down by a judge. The consequences ripple across nearly every aspect of daily life, affecting employment, housing, immigration status, education, and even basic civil liberties like owning a firearm or maintaining custody of your children. These "collateral consequences" often persist long after probation is completed or time is served.
In this thought leadership guide, we take a comprehensive look at how theft and fraud convictions reshape the personal and professional lives of Texans. Drawing on our experience at Walker Law Office, we also offer insights into what individuals can do to rebuild and reclaim their futures.
Employment: A Career Barrier for Life?
The effects of a theft or fraud conviction often start at the job interview stage. As we outlined in How a Theft or Fraud Conviction Affects Employment, most employers conduct background checks and view financial crimes as a breach of trust. This stigma is especially potent in fields like banking, education, and any role involving sensitive data or client property.
In some cases, Texas employers are subject to regulations that restrict hiring individuals with specific types of criminal records. Although local "Ban the Box" policies attempt to delay criminal background checks until later in the hiring process, many employers remain hesitant to take a chance on someone with a record involving dishonesty.
Housing: A Conviction Can Lock You Out
Securing housing post-conviction can be as difficult as finding a job. In Can You Be Denied Housing Due to a Theft Record?, we discussed how landlords in Texas can legally deny rental applications based on criminal history, particularly for convictions that suggest a lack of trustworthiness.
Even public housing options are often closed to those with recent convictions. Private landlords may use background screening services that flag theft or fraud charges—even old ones—and reject applicants as a result.
Immigration: Deportation Risks for Non-Citizens
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a theft or fraud conviction could put your immigration status in jeopardy. As outlined in Immigration Consequences of Theft or Fraud Convictions, these offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude, which can result in deportation, denial of re-entry, or being found inadmissible when applying for a green card.
Even deferred adjudication—a common resolution in Texas courts—can count as a conviction for immigration purposes under federal law. That means what appears to be a "clean slate" at the state level can still cost someone their right to remain in the country.
Education: Financial Aid and Admissions Challenges
College can be an essential part of rebuilding your future, but a criminal record may block the door before you even walk through it. In How These Charges Affect Financial Aid and College Admission, we explored how theft and fraud charges can raise red flags during admissions and make you ineligible for federal aid like Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.
Even if your conviction doesn’t disqualify you from federal aid, schools may be reluctant to admit applicants with recent or serious financial crimes on their record.
Professional Licenses: Careers Cut Short
Texas law allows licensing boards to deny or revoke credentials for individuals with convictions that "directly relate" to the duties of the licensed occupation. In Losing Professional Licenses Due to Fraud Offenses, we explained how boards such as the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and the Texas Medical Board evaluate fraud as a serious ethical breach.
Many applicants are surprised to learn that even unrelated misdemeanors can trigger scrutiny when they apply for or renew a license. Rehabilitation, time since the offense, and mitigating factors are all considered, but the outcome is never guaranteed.
Background Checks: What Shows Up and Why It Matters
Whether you're applying for a job, housing, or professional license, background checks are usually the gatekeeper. In How Criminal Background Checks Flag Theft Offenses, we discussed how theft or fraud convictions—especially felonies—can stay on your public record indefinitely in Texas.
This means even if you’ve turned your life around, automated screening tools can surface your conviction and eliminate you from consideration before you even get an interview.
Gun Rights: A Hard Line Drawn
Convicted felons in Texas lose the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law. In Gun Ownership Restrictions After Theft or Fraud Convictions, we noted that Texas law allows gun ownership in the home five years after the completion of a sentence, but federal law does not recognize this exception.
That means possessing a gun—even legally under Texas law—can result in federal prosecution unless your rights have been fully restored.
Family Law: Custody and Visitation
A theft conviction can also influence family court decisions. In Custody and Visitation Impact After a Theft Conviction, we highlighted how Texas judges are instructed to consider the best interest of the child. A conviction involving dishonesty may be interpreted as a sign of instability or poor judgment, leading to reduced visitation rights or even supervised custody.
While not automatically disqualifying, a conviction must be addressed through demonstration of rehabilitation and stability.
Rebuilding Your Reputation
After the legal consequences are over, the social and professional consequences remain. In Rebuilding Your Reputation After a Financial Crime Case, we explored strategies for regaining community trust—volunteer work, public speaking, pursuing education, and seeking expungement or nondisclosure where eligible.
Reputation recovery is never instantaneous, but consistency, honesty, and action are the pillars of a second chance.
How to Talk About It in a Job Interview
When applying for a job, you may have to explain your criminal history. In How to Talk About a Theft or Fraud Charge in a Job Interview, we offered practical advice for being honest without oversharing. The key is to acknowledge the mistake, show accountability, and pivot to how you’ve grown since the event.
Employers value transparency—but also want to see evidence of rehabilitation.
Final Thoughts: Living With, and Beyond, a Conviction
A theft or fraud conviction in Texas changes your life. But it does not have to define it forever. Legal remedies like expunction or nondisclosure, combined with genuine rehabilitation, can open doors again. At Walker Law Office, we believe in helping clients not only avoid or minimize legal consequences—but also recover the future that’s still within reach.
Call to Action
If you're facing theft or fraud charges—or dealing with the aftermath of a conviction—don't navigate it alone. Contact Walker Law Office today at (713) 228-2611 or visit https://www.walkerlawhouston.com/contact/ to schedule your confidential consultation.

A theft or fraud conviction in Texas can have serious consequences beyond the courtroom—especially when it comes to your employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction involving dishonesty can raise red flags that impact hiring, job retention, or professional licensing. Certain careers in finance, education, healthcare, and government may become off-limits altogether. In this post, we explore how these convictions affect your job prospects, what rights you still have, and whether options like record sealing or non-disclosure may be available. If you’re concerned about your future, a knowledgeable attorney near you can help you take steps to protect your livelihood.
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In Texas, having a theft conviction on your record can make it much harder to secure housing, as many landlords conduct criminal background checks and may deny applications based on offenses involving dishonesty. While private property owners often have broad discretion, there are still legal protections and strategies that can help. In this post, we explain how a theft record affects your housing rights, what landlords are allowed to consider, and how options like record sealing (non-disclosure) may improve your chances. If you've been denied housing or want to clear your record, a knowledgeable attorney near you can guide you through the process and fight for your stability.
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For non-citizens, a theft or fraud conviction in Texas can do more than lead to jail time or fines—it can trigger serious immigration consequences, including deportation, denial of green cards, or refusal of naturalization. Crimes involving moral turpitude, like fraud or theft, are closely scrutinized under U.S. immigration law and can put your legal status at risk. In this post, we explain how Texas criminal convictions intersect with federal immigration enforcement, what defenses may protect you, and why early legal intervention is critical. If you're not a U.S. citizen and facing charges, consult a qualified attorney near you who understands both criminal and immigration law to safeguard your future.
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A theft or fraud charge in Texas can have serious consequences for students—especially when it comes to financial aid eligibility and college admissions. Many schools conduct background checks, and certain convictions may lead to denial of admission, loss of scholarships, or ineligibility for federal student aid. Even juvenile offenses can raise red flags during the application process. In this post, we break down how criminal charges impact your academic future, what disclosure requirements apply, and whether record sealing or other legal remedies can help. If you're a student or parent navigating these challenges, speaking with an experienced attorney near you is essential for protecting both your education and your future.
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In Texas, a fraud conviction can jeopardize your professional license, potentially leading to suspension or revocation. Licensing boards across various professions—such as healthcare, law, finance, and education—scrutinize such convictions, especially when they pertain to dishonesty or moral turpitude. Even deferred adjudication may be treated as a conviction for licensing purposes. Understanding the implications of fraud charges on your professional standing is crucial.
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In Texas, a theft offense can follow you long after your case ends—especially when it shows up on a criminal background check. Employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards often review these records to assess trustworthiness, and even a misdemeanor theft conviction can raise serious concerns. In this post, we explain how background checks are conducted in Texas, what theft-related charges they flag, and whether options like record sealing (non-disclosure) can keep your history private. If you're worried about how your record could affect your opportunities, speak with an experienced attorney near you to explore your options.
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In Texas, a theft or fraud conviction can do more than impact your record—it can affect your right to own or possess a firearm. Under both Texas and federal law, individuals convicted of certain felonies or domestic-related theft offenses may lose their gun rights permanently or for a specific period. Even misdemeanor convictions can trigger restrictions, depending on the circumstances. In this post, we break down when gun ownership becomes illegal, how long restrictions last, and whether your rights can be restored. If you’re facing charges or already convicted, consulting a knowledgeable attorney near you is key to understanding and protecting your Second Amendment rights.
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A theft conviction in Texas can have unexpected consequences in family law cases, especially when it comes to child custody and visitation rights. Judges consider the character and stability of each parent when making decisions about a child's best interests, and a criminal record involving dishonesty or poor judgment can raise red flags. In this post, we explain how theft convictions influence custody proceedings, what courts look for, and whether a parent can still preserve their rights. If you're facing both criminal charges and family law challenges, working with an experienced attorney near you is essential to protect your parental relationship.
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A financial crime case—such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement—can damage more than your record; it can harm your reputation, relationships, and career. In Texas, even after charges are resolved, individuals often struggle to regain trust and rebuild their personal and professional lives. But with the right steps, including record sealing, community involvement, and strategic communication, a fresh start is possible. In this post, we outline how to move forward after a financial crime case, restore your credibility, and reclaim opportunities. If you're ready to turn the page, a dedicated attorney near you can help guide the path to recovery.
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Facing a theft or fraud charge in your past doesn’t automatically disqualify you from future employment—but how you talk about it in a job interview matters. Employers value honesty and accountability, and the way you explain your situation can influence whether you’re seen as a risk or a candidate with resilience. In this post, we offer practical strategies for disclosing a criminal charge (when required), framing your experience constructively, and focusing on how you've moved forward. If you’re unsure how to approach this sensitive topic, a knowledgeable attorney near you can help you prepare with confidence.
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