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.

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.