Fort Bend County Shoplifting Attorney

Call (713) 766-1445 to Let The Sims Law Firm, PLLC Fight for Your Freedom

Shoplifting is a serious theft crime in Texas, punishable by harsh penalties such as costly fines and even jail or prison time. Additionally, alleged shoplifters can be subject to a civil lawsuit filed by a merchant. Due to the severity of the crime, you must hire an experienced attorney to help you avoid these consequences or get your entire case dismissed.

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Fort Bend County in the Greater Houston Area, Attorney Brandon Sims is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and future. With more than a decade of experience as a former felony prosecutor and theft crime defense lawyer, he has a thorough understanding of how both sides of the courtroom operate and can provide effective and personalized legal solutions for his clients. Our Fort Bend County shoplifting lawyer can review your case, determine if law enforcement officials violated your rights or if there are weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, and do his best to help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Also serving clients in the Greater Houston Area.

Texas Shoplifting Laws & Penalties

Shoplifting is defined as unlawfully taking merchandise from a retail store without the owner’s consent, and with the intention to deprive the owner. Common examples of shoplifting include taking an item from a shop without paying, changing the price tags to pay less than the full price, or even using an instrument or tool that deactivates devices that prevent shoplifting.

Like other theft crimes in Texas, penalties for shoplifting vary based on the price of the stolen merchandise. For example, stealing an item worth less than $50 is a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a maximum $500 fine), while stealing an item worth between $50 and less than $500 is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by a jail term of up to 180 days and a fine no more than $2,000). Shoplifting can also lead to felony charges if the item is worth at least $1,500.

When it comes to civil liability, adult shoplifters can be sued by merchants involved in the offense for actual damages, on top of an additional $1,000 in damages. If a child shoplifter is charged, the minor’s parents or guardians can be sued for up to $5,000 in actual damage up to $5,000.

Possible Defenses We Can Pursue in a Shoplifting Case

Every shoplifting charge turns on specific facts: what happened inside the store, what was allegedly taken, and what evidence the State actually has. At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we examine every angle of the case and exhaust viable defenses based on the evidence, the procedures used, and the legal standards the prosecution must meet.

Depending on the circumstances, defenses may include:

• Lack of intent to steal. Texas law requires proof that a person intended to deprive the owner of the property. Accidental concealment, distraction, or confusion at self-checkout does not automatically equal criminal intent.
• Mistaken identity. Surveillance footage can be unclear, incomplete, or misinterpreted. We challenge identification when the evidence does not clearly establish who was involved.
• Insufficient evidence of value. The level of charge depends on the value of the merchandise. We scrutinize how the store calculated that value and whether it is supported by reliable documentation.
• Unlawful detention or search. Store security and law enforcement must follow legal boundaries. If evidence was obtained through improper detention or an unlawful search, it may be subject to challenge.
• Procedural violations or weak chain of custody. Gaps in how merchandise was recovered, documented, or preserved can undermine the State’s case.

Our role is to test the prosecution’s case from every direction. By identifying weaknesses early and pressing them strategically, we position our clients to pursue dismissal, reduction, or other favorable resolutions under Texas law.

When Shoplifting Allegations Lead to Retail Theft Accusations

In some cases, what starts as a shoplifting allegation is filed under Texas’s organized retail theft statute. Prosecutors may pursue a retail theft charge if they believe multiple incidents are connected, if they allege coordination between two or more people, or if they claim someone benefited from another person’s theft. These cases often carry higher potential penalties than a standard shoplifting charge and may involve more aggressive prosecution.

If your case has been labeled “organized retail theft” or you are being accused of repeated retail theft activity, it is critical to understand how the charge changes the legal landscape. Attorney Brandon Sims defends both traditional shoplifting and organized retail theft cases. He evaluates how the charge was filed, whether incidents are being improperly combined, and whether the State can prove the elements required under Texas law.

If you are unsure whether your case falls under shoplifting or organized retail theft, contact The Sims Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation. Early clarification can make a meaningful difference in how your defense is built.

Why Clients Choose The Sims Law Firm, PLLC for Shoplifting Defense

A shoplifting charge can move quickly through the Fort Bend County court system, and the lawyer you choose should be ready to act immediately. When you hire our firm, you can expect practical access, clear communication, and direct attorney involvement from the start.

You can count on the following when you work with our firm:

• 24/7 availability so you can reach our office whenever an arrest or investigation happens
• Free initial consultations to discuss your options before making decisions about your defense
• Virtual consultations available when meeting in person is not practical or time-sensitive
• Attorney Brandon Sims personally handles every case from start to finish, ensuring consistent strategy and communication throughout the process

A Former Prosecutor Who Defends Clients with Purpose

Attorney Brandon Sims brings the perspective of a former prosecutor and more than a decade of criminal defense experience since 2013. He understands how shoplifting cases are charged, how prosecutors build their arguments, and where the pressure points often appear in court. That background helps him anticipate the State’s approach early and respond with a focused defense strategy from the start.

He has devoted his practice to standing up for individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. People come to him when their reputation, freedom, and future are on the line, and he takes that responsibility seriously. His commitment comes from a belief that every person deserves a strong defense, a clear voice in the process, and an advocate who fights hard to protect their rights at every stage.

Request a Free Consultation Today!

Attorney Sims can figure out your available legal options. While the ultimate goal is to get your case dismissed, he can help you obtain a plea deal for reduced charges or penalties or enroll you in a pretrial diversion program to avoid criminal prosecution. Do not hesitate to let him fight for you and get your life back on the right track.

Call The Sims Law Firm, PLLC at (713) 766-1445 today to discuss your case.