Shoplifting and Theft Lawyer - Writ Bonds - Criminal Defense

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Oh, this is embarrassing.......that long "walk of shame" from the front entrance to the little room in the back where a loss prevention officer starts going through your things is horrifying and humiliating.    Sometimes an arrest is justified, and sometimes it isn't.    

If you or a loved one have been arrested for shoplifting, we can get you out of jail quickly with an attorney writ bond, and help you through your case.   We will do everything possible to put you in a position to keep your record clear.  

Whether it was a mistake or not; Nobody wants to be labeled as a thief.   The MOST important thing with a theft charge is to do everything possible to be sure that it does not remain on your record.    There are a lot of ways for us to do this.  

Theft is a crime of "moral turpitude."  This is bad.    Google it.   You'll get the gist.  

Shoplifting doesn't sound like a big deal, but ANY theft accusation calls into question your honesty, and your character.    Employers won't hire you.    Apartments won't rent to you.   Professional licenses can be revoked or denied.  You cannot volunteer at your kids school.  It causes severe immigration issues if you are not a citizen.   This list goes on.  

But what if you were wrongfully accused?   It happens all the time.   It's infuriating.    Many times, people are charged with theft when they had no intention of taking something without paying for it.    If you mistakenly missed scanning an item at a self check-out line, and the item is worth over 100.00, you'll probably be arrested for it.  It's almost impossible to talk your way out of it.    This doesn't mean you'll be convicted, but you'll be treated like a thief.     The statute below says you must have "intent" to be guilty of a theft crime.  The state must prove that you intentionally took something without paying for it.  This isn't easy.   

Retail Shoplifting is one of the most common theft crimes in Collin County.   

In Texas, Theft of Property (this includes shoplifting) is defined as “unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.” Sec. 31.03

…an offense under this section is:

(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $100;

(2) a Class B misdemeanor if:

(A) the value of the property stolen is $100 or more but less than $750;

(B) the value of the property stolen is less than $100 and the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of theft; or

(C) the property stolen is a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or personal identification certificate issued by this state or another state;

(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is $750 or more but less than $2,500.

 More than 2500.00 is a felony.