Whenever you face a conviction related to theft and shoplifting in the state of Texas, you are subject to serious criminal penalties. Follow along to discover what these charges entail and how a talented McAllen, Texas theft lawyer at the Law Office of Angel Davila can help you reduce or eliminate them altogether.
What are the possible charges I can face for shoplifting in Texas?
The most common example of shoplifting is concealing stolen items in pockets, underneath clothes, or in a bag. Other cases include: not scanning items at self-checkout, returning a stolen item for cash or store credit, changing barcodes or price tags on items, and manufacturing, distributing, or possessing devices that prevent anti-theft tools from functioning correctly, such as aluminum-lined bags.
Shoplifting is considered a criminal offense in the state of Texas. Penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree penalty, depending on the value of the item or items stolen. The breakdown of the theft charges read as follows:
- Property valued at less than $100 is a Class C misdemeanor.
- Fine of up to $500.
- Property valued between $100 to $750 is a Class B misdemeanor.
- Fine up to $2,000.
- Up to 180 days in jail.
- Property valued between $750 to $2,550 is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Fines up to $4,000.
- Up to 1 year in jail.
- Property valued between $2,500 to $30,000 is a state jail felony.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Between 180 days to 2 years in jail.
- Property valued between $30,000 to $150,000 is a third-degree felony.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Between 2 to 10 years in jail.
- Property valued between $150,000 to $300,000 is a second-degree felony.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Between 2 to 20 years in jail.
- Property valued at more than $300,000 is a first-degree felony.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Between 5 to 99 years in jail.
What defense can I take against my shoplifting charge?
A common defense is that of no criminal intent, which allows you to argue that you intended to pay for the item, didn’t realize that you were stealing the item, or thought you had implicit permission to take the item.
If this circumstance is applicable to you, do not hesitate to reach out to a proficient Hidalgo County, Texas criminal defense lawyer to lessen or dismiss your penalties.
Contact Our Hidalgo County, Texas Firm
With collective decades of experience, the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Angel Davila are committed to helping protect you from the penalties associated with a criminal conviction by defending you against charges of everything from DUI to Murder, and everything in between. We also help people through various family law and estate planning matters. Our firm proudly serves clients in Hidalgo County and throughout the state of Texas. For quality legal defense when you need it most, contact the Law Office of Angel Davila today.
