Theft

Plano Texas Theft Attorneys

Arrests for misdemeanor theft occur every day across north Texas. Many young people are arrested for theft and don’t appreciate the long-term consequences of a theft conviction. Unfortunately, reality sets in when applying for a job, and they find that no one will employ them with an arrest or conviction for theft. It can have devastating long-term consequences. It is critical that these cases be properly defended to ensure that the long-term damage done is minimized or often wiped away. We want to see your case dismissed and the prospects for a bright future restored. Theft defense lawyer Waren Price has helped many people in the same situation as you. Let him help you.

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Theft Offenses

Retail theft or “shoplifting” is the most common form of theft in Texas. Many are quickly caught and arrested because stores take the loss associated with shoplifting very seriously. Accordingly, they invest heavily in surveillance staff and equipment to catch offenders. Cameras are placed throughout the store and items are electronically tagged to prevent shoplifting.

Many shoplifters are unknowingly tracked by high-resolution video surveillance as they go from aisle to aisle. Many are caught before they ever get out of the store. Even those lucky enough to get out of the store before being caught are again caught on video by cameras in the parking lot that identifies their vehicle and those that came to the store with them. It can make for a pretty compelling case for the prosecution, but even for those caught red-handed, all is not lost. The shoplifting defense attorney knows how to defend these cases and repair the damage done.

Understanding The Texas Theft Statute

Theft in Texas is governed by Texas Penal Code Chapter 31. Section 31.03 provides that theft occurs when a person unlawfully appropriates or takes possession of property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Appropriation is simply bringing about the transfer of the property. This occurs when you pick up the item or otherwise cause the item to fall under your control. Obviously, it is not against the law to pick up an item in a store and take that item to the register to pay. It may become unlawful if the appropriation is with the intent that the item will be stolen. The prosecution will argue that placing the item under your coat, removing the electronic tag or removing the item from the store without paying indicates your intent to unlawfully appropriate the item.

Penalties For Theft In Texas

The range of punishment for theft in Texas varies depending on the value of the items stolen and the criminal history of the suspect. Theft may range from a class c misdemeanor for items less than $100 in value all the way up to a first-degree felony for property $300,000 or more in value.

Most theft charges that are related to shoplifting involve property valued at less than $2,500.00 and are charged as misdemeanors. If the property is valued at $2,500.00 or more, then the individual may be charged with a felony theft. Even a clear case of theft may be subject to a reduction to a lesser offense where the value of the property is at or near this amount.

Dismissal Of All Charges

Our goal is to get your theft case dismissed. We will work with you to develop any defenses that you may have or any factors that may mitigate the charges brought against you. The criminal defense attorney will negotiate your case with the prosecutor in an effort to get your theft charges dropped. The theft defense attorney has handled hundreds of theft and fraud cases over the past 20 years, and he can help you with yours.

Not-Guilty Verdict

In order for the state of Texas to convict you for an alleged theft offense, there must be proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you, in fact, committed the offense as they allege. If you lacked the requisite intent for the prosecution of the offense, in other words, you had no intent to steal the property, then you are not guilty of theft. If you aren’t guilty of the offense alleged against you, then you should never plead guilty to that charge. If you’ve had a false allegation of theft made against you in a Texas state court, let us help you fight that charge. Contact the theft attorney at The Price Firm, PLLC, for help.

Hire Our Experienced Theft Attorneys

As a former misdemeanor and felony prosecutor, Waren Price has been on both sides of these cases. He knows what the prosecutor has to have in order to make a case, and he knows how to defend against them as well. You can benefit from his 20 years of experience. If you or a loved one has been accused of a misdemeanor or felony theft, call us to speak with an aggressive criminal defense lawyer today.

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