Tarrant County Shoplifting Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting, you are likely concerned about the consequences of a theft conviction. Shoplifting is indeed a type of theft and can occur in a number of different forms.

Whether you wrote a bad check, tried returning an item in a fraudulent manner, placed a lower-value item’s price tag on the item you wanted, left the store without paying for an item, or accepted property you allegedly knew to be stolen, you would benefit from the legal representation of a skilled and dedicated theft attorney. A Tarrant County shoplifting lawyer could fight tirelessly to see that you have a strong defense heading into trial.

Charges and Penalties for Shoplifting

The penalties one faces if convicted of shoplifting hinge upon the value of the item or items stolen. Shoplifting attorneys in Tarrant are uniquely well-versed in the following shoplifting charges and penalties:

• The offense is a Class C misdemeanor if the property value is $100 or less
• Class B misdemeanor – property value is $100 to $750
• Class A misdemeanor – property value is greater than $750 but below $2,500
• State jail felony – property value is $2,500 to $30,000
• Third-degree felony – property value is greater than $30,000 but below $150,000

Lastly, beyond a criminal charge, individuals facing these charges may additionally face a civil suit from the party they allegedly stole from. It goes without saying that facing shoplifting charges can be overwhelming. Those accused of shoplifting should contact an experienced Tarrant County shoplifting lawyer to explore their options and start building a defense for their case.

What Are the Penalties in Tarrant County?

The potential penalties of shoplifting may depend largely on the value of the item or items allegedly stolen. Generally, they are:

• Class C misdemeanor – $500 maximum fine and no mandatory jail time
• Class B misdemeanor – up to a $2,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail
• Class A misdemeanor – up to a $4,000 fine and can be accompanied by up to one year in jail
• State jail felony – up to $10,000 in fines and a possible sentence of up to two years in jail
• Third-degree penalty – maximum fine of $10,000 plus a possible ten years in prison

If an individual has any prior theft offenses on their record, the fines and jail time, as well as the charges themselves, may be exacerbated. The charges and penalties also may vary depending on the item allegedly stolen, such as if it was a firearm or certain types of metal. Moreover, if the individual accused of shoplifting is a minor, their parents may also be sued for up to $5,000 in damages. For more information, get in contact with a Tarrant County shoplifting lawyer today.

A Tarrant County Shoplifting Attorney Can Help

If you were charged with shoplifting, you may be facing hefty fines, harsh penalties, and a possible civil suit. You do not have to fight this alone. Contact a Tarrant County shoplifting lawyer as soon as possible to be able to seek the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of your case.

Whether the accused is a juvenile or adult, whether the shoplifting was accidental or a harmless prank, or whether it was just a lapse in judgment, a shoplifting charge can be fought with the help of a knowledgeable theft lawyer. Call today for a free evaluation.