Houston Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Experienced Shoplifting Lawyer in The City of Houston Defends The Rights of Clients Accused of Stealing in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Texas

Shoplifting is the most common type of theft. It involves taking something from a store of some kind without paying for it and with the intent not to pay for it. Oftentimes, an individual accused of this crime is stopped outside the store by security. Sometimes the intent is presumed when security personnel observes an accused hiding merchandise in a bag or in his clothing while shopping. In any case, the intent to permanently deprive must be proven for a conviction to be obtained by the state. If you or a loved one have been accused of shoplifting, you should contact an experienced Houston shoplifting defense attorney at Chernoff Law as soon as possible.

Shoplifting is not as simple as prosecutors like to make it. A person who is accused of shoplifting from a store must be proven to have the intent to steal. Simply because someone walks out the door with unpaid merchandise does not necessarily mean they are stealing.

Not too long ago we defended a woman who was stopped outside of a store with children’s clothes in the bottom of her stroller. The video showed her putting the items in the stroller. At checkout, she put some items on the cashier’s conveyer belt but forgot to retrieve the items from the bottom of her stroller. After walking out of the store, she was stopped in the parking lot, taken inside, and accused of shoplifting. Her children watched as their mother was taken away in handcuffs. At trial, she was acquitted.

Some counties, like Harris County, Texas, have programs that allow first-time shoplifters to avoid conviction and a plea of guilty. These usually involve completing classes and performing community service in lieu of a conviction. Not everyone is eligible for this program.

Is Shoplifting A Felony In Texas And What Is The Penalty?

It can be. It depends on the value of the item stolen. The shoplifting offense in Texas is considered a Class C Misdemeanor if the items stolen are worth less than $100 and a Class B Misdemeanor if they are worth between $100 and $750.  A Class A misdemeanor can be charged if the value of the property is $750 – $2,500. Anything over $2,500 can be charged as a felony.

Why Do You Need To Hire A Theft Lawyer If Charged With Shoplifting In Texas

It is imperative that a person accused of this crime not assume a conviction. A theft conviction will wreak havoc on a person’s future employment and educational goals. The vast majority of employers will not hire someone who has theft on their record.

If you have been arrested for this crime, contact a trusted Houston shoplifting defense attorney at Chernoff Law. We don’t charge for an initial consultation.