Austin Shoplifting Attorney

Defending Those Charged with Shoplifting in Texas

If you or a loved one has been charged with the theft offense of shoplifting, it is important to know what that entails and the likely penalties that result with a conviction. These are one of the most frequent theft crimes observed in the state. They can be committed by individuals who are any age and in all different walks of life. It could have resulted from a miniscule mistake or an error in judgment that led to your charge of shoplifting. This is a serious offense that can be placed on your criminal record and result in many other penalties, both criminal and civil. This is a situation that can impact your future, which is why your case requires the attentive legal assistance of an Austin criminal defense lawyer from the firm.

Shoplifting Penalties

Taking items out of a store with the intention of not paying the store for its entire value is called shoplifting. Whether the action involved taking the shirt or removing the tag on an expensive shirt with a tag that is less expensive, you can be charged with shoplifting and face the resulting penalties. Petty theft is the offense describing charges that are work $950 or less. This is a misdemeanor offense that can be penalized by a maximum of six months in jail, along with probation time and heavy fines. The penalty and charge is directly associated to the value of the item that has been stolen. The crime of shoplifting becomes a felony if the value of the items stolen from the shop is $1,500 or more. The punishments can be enhanced in circumstances where there is a weapon involved.

In addition to criminal punishments for shoplifting, there may also be civil penalties. A conviction for the charge of theft from a store may include restitution to the victim. According to the