If the value of the property stolen is less than $20,000 and the property stolen is aluminum, bronze, copper, or brass, what is the offense level?

• A. State Jail Felony
• B. Class B Misdemeanor
• C. Third Degree Felony
• D. Second Degree Felony

Answer: (A)

Metal theft has its own penalty structure in Texas. When the property stolen is aluminum, bronze, copper, or brass and the value is less than $20,000, the offense is a state jail felony. This reflects a focus on deterring theft of metal due to its impact on infrastructure and industry, while still not reaching the higher felony levels that come with larger losses. If the value were $20,000 or more, the statute would push the offense to a more serious category under the metal-theft provisions. So for this scenario, the level is state jail felony.