College Station Shoplifting Lawyer

A conviction for shoplifting can impact your life for years to come. In addition to the risk of jail time and fines, having a criminal record can make it difficult to secure housing or keep a job.

If you or someone you love has been accused of theft, there is no time to delay seeking legal counsel. A compassionate theft attorney could review the facts of your arrest and determine your best path forward. Before you represent yourself, consider a discussion with a College Station shoplifting lawyer.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges

Unlike some states, Texas does not have a distinct statute for shoplifting. Instead, these acts are covered by the general theft statute found in Texas Penal Code § 31.03.

This type of theft can come in many forms. It typically involves a person leaving a store with the merchandise in their possession without paying for it. This might involve slipping the item into a bag or including it with other objects that were legally purchased at the time.

Another example could be changing the labels on an item, which can allow a person to ring them up for much less than their original price. Any attempt to appropriate an item in a place of business without paying for it can lead to theft charges.

These cases frequently involve misunderstandings and false accusations. In their rush to stop shoplifters, many stores pursue criminal charges after a person places an item in their reusable shopping bag. Other times, they involve honest mistakes at the register. Regardless of the circumstances, a College Station attorney could help build a solid shoplifting defense.

Potential Consequences of Shoplifting

Theft offenses have penalties that vary based on the value of the property allegedly stolen. A conviction for the theft of items worth $50 or less is treated as a Class C Misdemeanor, and the penalty is a fine of up to $500. However, stealing merchandise valued between $1,500 and $20,000 could lead to a felony charge, up to two years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.

Additionally, collateral consequences frequently follow these charges. When a person is found guilty of a felony, they could face various secondary hardships like losing a job or immigration status. The stakes are high even for relatively minor cases, which is why the support of a shoplifting lawyer in College Station is vital.

What Are Civil Penalties?

In addition to the risk of jail time or fines, a conviction for shoplifting might also include civil penalties. These are designed to compensate a business owner for the losses they experienced due to theft. This would apply to situations where the property is damaged or never recovered.

As with all penalties, they only apply following a conviction. Having the support of a hardworking legal professional could be critical in avoiding the consequences of a shoplifting case.

Schedule a Meeting With a Shoplifting Attorney in College Station Today

An arrest and conviction for theft can have long-lasting consequences on your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. You deserve seasoned legal counsel who will aggressively defend your rights throughout this process.

Do not hesitate to call a College Station shoplifting lawyer immediately for a private consultation. Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys could help build a comprehensive strategy to support your case. Seeking legal counsel is the first step towards taking control of your situation.