Have you recently been charged with shoplifting in Texas? If so, you should continue reading and reach out to a skilled Dallas County criminal defense lawyer to learn more about the penalties you may face and how our firm can help you fight them. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Texas?

Texas takes shoplifting seriously, and the penalties reflect this. The severity of the punishment depends largely on the value of the items taken. Some of the potential penalties for shoplifting in Texas are as follows:

  • Items valued at less than $100: Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
  • Items valued between $100 and $750: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
  • Items valued between $750 and $2,500: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
  • Items valued between $2,500 and $30,000: State jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Items valued between $30,000 and $150,000: Third-degree felony, punishable by two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Items valued between $150,000 and $300,000: Second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Items valued over $300,000: First-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

These penalties are substantial and can have long-lasting effects on your life. Beyond the legal consequences, a shoplifting conviction can also lead to a criminal record, which may impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even obtain certain professional licenses. It’s important to understand the full scope of what a shoplifting conviction can mean for your future.

What Are Some Potential Defenses Against Shoplifting Charges?

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, it’s crucial to know that a charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. There are several defenses that your attorney may be able to use to challenge the charges against you. Some of the most common defenses are as follows:

  • Lack of Intent: One of the key elements of a shoplifting charge is the intent to steal. If your attorney can demonstrate that you did not intend to take the item without paying, this could be a strong defense. For example, if you accidentally walked out of the store with an item in your possession without realizing it, this could be used to argue against intent.
  • Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the wrong person is accused of shoplifting. If there is no clear evidence that you were the one who committed the act, or if there was a mix-up in identifying the suspect, your attorney might argue mistaken identity as a defense.
  • Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. If there is insufficient evidence to support the charge, your attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
  • Rights Violations: If your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation, such as an illegal search and seizure, your attorney might be able to have the evidence obtained through these violations excluded from the case. This could weaken the prosecution’s case against you significantly.

If you have further questions or are currently facing shoplifting charges in Texas, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm today. Spangler Law stands ready to effectively represent you, every step of the way.