Fort Worth Shoplifting Defense Attorney
Legal Defense for Theft & Robbery in Fort Worth
When you are arrested for any type of theft crime, there may be a certain amount of pressure put on you to confess or plead guilty, especially if you are in a store or on someone else's property. All theft crimes, from misdemeanor offenses like minor shoplifting to felony crimes like armed robbery, have the potential to carry heavy consequences. If you are facing charges for a theft crime and aren't sure who to turn to, our legal team at The Clark Law Firm can help. Our Fort Worth theft crime lawyers are prepared to defend you from any type of theft crime charges.
Charged with Theft? Contact Our Fort Worth Lawyers Now for Guidance!
Trusted Theft Crime Defense in Fort Worth
The sooner you hire a Fort Worth theft crime lawyer to represent you and ensure your side of the story is heard, the better. Our experienced Fort Worth theft crime attorneys are dedicated to helping you prevent a conviction. Not only can theft crimes carry criminal consequences, but having a conviction on your record can affect your personal and professional life as well.
We handle the following theft crimes:
Understanding Shoplifting Charges & Penalties in Texas
Shoplifting in Texas is punished as theft. The definition of theft is unlawfully taking another person’s property without the owner’s consent, and with the purpose to deprive the individual of their property.
Common examples of shoplifting include taking merchandise without paying, changing price tags to avoid paying full price, and writing false checks to purchase store items. The criminal penalties for shoplifting increase with the value of stolen merchandise and the criminal history of defendant.
Criminal penalties for shoplifting include:
- Stolen merchandise valued at less than $50 – Class C misdemeanor, punishable by maximum $500 fine
- Stolen merchandise valued between $50 and less than $500 – Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum 180-day jail term and a fine no more than $2,000
- Stolen merchandise valued between $500 and less than $1,500 – Class A misdemeanor, which results in a maximum one-year jail term and a fine not exceeding $4,000.
- Stolen merchandise valued between $1,500 but less than $20,000 – State jail felony, punishable by a maximum two-year state jail sentence and a fine no more than $10,000.
In addition, not only can the merchant of the stolen items can sue the defendant, but also the defendant can be civilly liable for up to $1,000 in additional damages. If a child was caught shoplifting, the parent can be sued for up to $5,000 in damages.
Consequences of Felony Theft in Texas
In Texas, theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony according to the value of the services or property that is stolen. In some cases, the type of property is also a deciding factor. If convicted of felony theft, you can face serious penalties including jail time.
Possible jail sentences for felony theft in Texas include:
- State jail felony theft: punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail
- Third degree felony theft: punishable by two to ten years in prison
- Second degree felony theft: punishable by two to 20 years in prison
- First degree felony theft: punishable by five to 99 years in prison
Defending Your Reputation & Future Against Theft Charges
Being convicted of a theft crime may make you seem dishonest in the eyes of potential employers, educators, and even landlords. Our priority is to minimize any penalties that a conviction of this nature can have while working to protect your reputation and future. Even a simple misdemeanor will go onto your permanent record, which can lead to undesirable consequences.
With 35 years of combined experience in the field of criminal defense, we know the most effective ways to argue on our clients' behalf. We always strive to reach the most positive outcome which will have the least damaging effects on your life.
Learn More About Theft Crime Defense Strategies
To learn more about how we can help, schedule a complimentary consultation with a Fort Worth theft crime lawyer. Call us now at (817) 435-4970.
