Everything You Need to Know About Your Shoplifting Charge

 Posted on June 07, 2018 in Criminal Defense

If you are caught shoplifting in Texas, you’ll have to deal with not only an embarrassing social experience, but also significant and overwhelming legal consequences. According to the Texas Penal Code, shoplifting offenses are aggressively judged and punishable as theft.

Shoplifting offenses include:

• Stealing items
• Intentionally writing bad checks
• Altering price tags

Your Charges

The legal penalties for a theft charge increase depending on the value of the stolen merchandise and your prior offenses.  Adult shoplifters can also be sued by retailers for actual damages and additional damages up to $1,000. If a child is caught shoplifting, a retailer can sue the parents and guardians for actual damages up to $5,000.

Texas Shoplifting Charges

Class C misdemeanor

• Property value is less than $50
• Punishable by fines up to $500

Class B misdemeanor

• Property value is between $50-$500
• Punishable by fines up to $2,000
• Jail time: up to 180 days

Class A misdemeanor

• Property value is between $500-$1,500
• Punishable by fines up to $4,000
• Jail time: up to 365 days

State Jail Felony

• Property value is between $1,500-$20,000
• Punishable by fines up to $10,000
• Jail time: between 180 days-2 years

Third Degree Felony

• Property value is between $20,000-$100,000
• Punishable by fines up to $10,000
• Jail time: 2-10 years

Second Degree Felony

• Property value is between $100,000-$200,000
• Punishable by fines up to $10,000
• Jail Time: 2-20 years

First Degree Felony

• Property value is over $200,000
• Punishable by fines up to $10,000
• Jail time: 5-99 years

Fighting Shoplifting Charges

Texas takes shoplifting and theft charges very seriously. If you are charged with a shoplifting offense, contact an experienced theft attorney immediately. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our bilingual theft lawyer will fight for your rights with the aim of getting your charges reduced or dropped.

Contact us today at 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation.