Facing a shoplifting charge in McKinney, Texas, can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. It’s critical to have legal aid on your side. For experienced and compassionate help, call Texas Defense Firm at 972-369-0577.
We understand that every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to fit the facts of your situation. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge, we’re prepared to fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a McKinney shoplifting lawyer who can help protect your future.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Shoplifting in McKinney?
Shoplifting charges in McKinney, Texas, are serious. They can affect all aspects of your life, including your freedom and financial security. Texas Defense Firm is the experienced help you need during this trying time.
Here’s why you should choose us:
- Our team has over 200 years of combined experience representing criminal defendants in Texas.
- We are prepared to give your case the immediate attention it needs. You can trust we’ll give you personalized, compassionate service.
- You can contact our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We know that emergencies don’t always happen during business hours.
- We have former prosecutors on our team, so we know how the game is played.
- Our founder has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers. He is also the president of the McKinney Bar Association and on the board of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Educational Institute.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a initial consultation with one of our McKinney criminal defense attorneys.
Overview of Shoplifting in Texas
Typically, shoplifting refers to the unauthorized taking of merchandise from a store. In Texas, shoplifting is considered and punished as a theft crime. Theft crimes, including shoplifting, must meet one of the following criteria:
- Appropriating property without the owner’s consent
- Appropriating property that you know is stolen
Shoplifting penalties vary depending on the value of the stolen property and the offender’s criminal history, but any act of unlawfully taking merchandise can result in criminal charges.
Shoplifting Charges and Property Value
The seriousness of the crime depends on the value of the property stolen. Typically, charges are as follows:
- Class C misdemeanor: The value of the property stolen is less than $100.
- Class B misdemeanor: The value of the property stolen is $100 or more but less than $750, or is less than $100 and the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of theft.
- Class A misdemeanor: The value of the property stolen is $750 or more but less than $2,500.
- State jail felony: The value of the property stolen is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, less than $2,500 if the defendant has been previously convicted two or more times of any grade of theft.
- Third-degree felony: The value of the property stolen is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.
- Second-degree felony: The value of the property stolen is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000.
- First-degree felony: The value of the property stolen is $300,000 or more.
It’s crucial to understand how property value directly impacts the classification and seriousness of the charge. Even seemingly small acts of theft can carry long-term legal implications.
What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in McKinney, Texas?
If you are convicted of shoplifting in Texas, you could face fines as well as potential jail or prison time. Consequences are as follows:
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500.
- Class B misdemeanor: A fine of up to $2,000 and/or a jail term of up to 180 days.
- Class A misdemeanor: A fine of up to $4,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year.
- State jail felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and/or a jail term of between 180 days and two years.
- Third-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and/or a term of imprisonment between 2 and 10 years.
- Second-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of 2 to 20 years.
- First-degree felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment.
The penalties for shoplifting can be incredibly severe, especially when the value of the stolen property is high or if the alleged offense is part of a larger pattern of organized retail theft.
Collateral Consequences of Shoplifting
You could also face collateral consequences besides incarceration and fines, including:
- Housing and employment difficulties: A theft conviction on your criminal record can make it challenging to secure stable housing or gainful employment.
- Child custody and visitation issues: If you’re involved in a family court matter, a criminal conviction—especially for a crime of moral turpitude like theft—can negatively affect your custody or visitation rights.
- Loss of rights: Depending on the severity of the offense, a conviction may result in the loss of important civil rights, including firearms rights.
- Immigration consequences: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a theft conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including denial of naturalization, revocation of a green card, or even deportation.
- Professional licensing consequences: Many state licensing boards—including those for healthcare, law, real estate, and education—require background checks. A theft conviction may lead to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a professional license.
- Reputation damage: A criminal record, particularly one involving theft, can affect personal and professional relationships.
If you’re facing a shoplifting charge, it’s crucial to consult a qualified defense attorney to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Shoplifting?
There are several legal defenses that may be available if you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Texas. Depending on the facts of your case, your attorney may argue:
- Lack of intent: Shoplifting requires intent to deprive the owner of the property. If you took merchandise by mistake or forgot to pay, your attorney may be able to argue that there was no criminal intent.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, especially those involving surveillance footage or eyewitnesses, you may have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or circumstantial, your attorney can challenge its sufficiency. - Ownership or right to possession: If you had a reasonable belief that the property belonged to you or that you had permission to take it, this could serve as a defense.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If law enforcement violated your rights—such as conducting an unlawful search or seizure—any evidence obtained as a result may be inadmissible.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your arrest and determine the strongest defense strategy for your case.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Shoplifting
Being accused of shoplifting can have immediate and long-lasting consequences. A skilled criminal defense attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case by:
- Meeting with you to discuss your case.
- Investigating the facts thoroughly to uncover inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal when appropriate.
- Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or to challenge procedural errors.
- Representing you in court and presenting a compelling defense to the judge or jury.
- Helping you understand your options at every stage of the legal process so you can make informed decisions.
At Texas Defense Firm, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and minimizing the impact of a shoplifting charge on your future.
Schedule a Initial Case Evaluation With Our Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting in McKinney, Texas, or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. At Texas Defense Firm, we have more than 200 years of combined experience helping criminal defense clients. We’ll fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and resolving your case favorably. Contact our team today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced McKinney shoplifting defense lawyer.