Shoplifting is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with because it’s considered to be a crime of dishonesty or “moral turpitude.” This means that a person who is faces theft charges is not only looking at harsh fines and serving jail or prison time, but he or she may also be unable to obtain a professional license required to become a doctor, attorney, nurse, or any other position that requires licensing. Additionally, a shoplifting conviction can have devastating consequences on immigration proceedings and naturalization. Due to the vast and far-ranging consequences that theft charges may have on your criminal record, it is paramount that you contact a lawyer for theft to discuss your options and seek the best possible outcome available in your particular circumstances.
Definition of Theft or Shoplifting Offense
In Texas, a person commits theft if the person unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of property. Appropriation of property is unlawful if:
- it is without the owner’s effective consent;
- the property is stolen and the actor appropriates the property knowing it was stolen by another; or
- property in the custody of any law enforcement agency was explicitly represented by any law enforcement agent to the actor as being stolen and the actor appropriates the property believing it was stolen by another.
The penalty for shoplifting in Texas depends on the value of the item or items alleged to have been stolen. If the value is under $2,500, the theft will be charged as a misdemeanor, unless you have prior convictions. But, if the value of the property is $2,500 or more, the district attorney will file the shoplifting charge as a felony.
Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle Definition in Texas
In Texas, a person commits unauthorized use of a vehicle if the person intentionally or knowingly operates another’s boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the effective consent of the owner. A person charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle is generally charged with a State Jail Felony.
Defending Theft in Collin County, Texas
Few crimes look worse on your criminal record than a conviction for theft. If you have been arrested or are currently under investigation for theft, contact Mark O’Bryan to discuss your legal options. The prosecution of theft charges often hinges upon accurate and credible eyewitness identifications at trial, which can be shown to be unreliable. Traditionally, juries tend to place great value on the testimony of eyewitnesses. A seasoned shoplifting lawyer can significantly damage the State’s case by introducing forensic evidence, polygraph tests, and thoroughly cross-examining the prosecution’s eyewitnesses. Contact Mark O’Bryan today at 972-372-4054 to discuss the facts of your case and achieve the most favorable results available to you.