Shoplifting

Accusations of shoplifting or retail theft in Houston can mean not only embarrassment, but a series of criminal penalties for any person accused and subsequently convicted of the offense. During today’s economic times, retailers and store owners can be too aggressive with their theft prevention policies, leading to false accusations and embarrassing overreactions by retailers. In many cases, with little to no evidence.

Brandon Strauss, a seasoned Houston theft crimes lawyer with over a decade of experience defending people, provides legal defense services to individuals accused of shoplifting, simple theft, and other criminal offenses. If you need to talk with an experienced attorney about fighting a shoplifting charge in Harris County, call the Strauss Law Firm today at 713-586-9200.

Shoplifting & Texas Law

A General Overview

Shoplifting and retail theft are defined by Texas law (Title 7. Chapter 31. Theft) as any action involving the intentional or unlawful removal of property or merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the merchant of the value or property without their consent.

The offense can be committed in many ways which include;

• Unlawfully changing the prices of goods for a lower price,
• Unlawfully switching price tags on goods for a lower price,
• Unlawfully returning stolen merchandise for a monetary refund or store credit,
• Unlawfully changing the packaging of items,
• Unlawfully hiding items in the packaging of other items,
• And Unlawfully leaving a store in possession of goods or items without the merchant’s consent.

What Happens If I’m Convicted for Shoplifting in Houston?

Criminal penalties for shoplifting in Texas are directly related to the value of the item or items stolen and any criminal history the accused party may have.

Below, we’ve outlined the basic penalties and sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of retail theft in Texas. Again, the punitive consequences are largely tied to the value of the item of items the accused party attempted to deprive the owner.

Class C Misdemeanor Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $50.00.

Class B Misdemeanor Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $500.00 but more than $50.00.

Class A Misdemeanor Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $1,500.00 but more than $500.00.

State Jail Felony Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $20,000.00 but more than $1,500.00.

Third Degree Felony Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $100,000.00 but more than $20,000.00.

Second Degree Felony Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at less than $100,000.00 but more than $200,000.00.

First Degree Felony Theft

The value of the property alleged as stolen is valued at more than $200,000.00.

Were You Accused of Shoplifting in Houston, TX?

Call Brandon Strauss, the Experienced Shoplifting Lawyer

As a shoplifting defense lawyer in Houston for over 10 years, I can tell you that I’ve represented both innocent and not-so-innocent people and have found solutions for them. Whether they were accused of shoplifting and retail theft in The Galleria, Wal-Mart, CVS, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy, or other well-known retailers, they’ve found hope in working with the Strauss Law Firm on their case.

Often, retailers simply don’t have irrefutable evidence of shoplifting. Also, with the high turn over in the retail industry, prosecutors are often unable to locate witnesses or compel them to testify in court. In short, often hiring a lawyer and challenging the shoplifting charges is all that’s needed to make the situation go away.

If you’re the subject of prosecution on the basis of an alleged shoplifting incident, call the Strauss Law Firm and ask to speak with Brandon. The Strauss Law Firm provides outstanding legal representation, affordable legal fees, and excellent support services for our clients. To get started, call 713-586-9200 today.