At Granger and Mueller PC, our Travis County criminal defense attorneys protect you against the potentially serious penalties associated with a shoplifting conviction.
If you are charged with shoplifting in Travis County, it is important to get our experienced Austin criminal defense attorneys fighting on your side immediately. Shoplifting is a serious matter in Texas. In addition to a criminal record, a conviction could result in a possible jail sentence. At Granger and Mueller PC, we have been defending people throughout our community against these types of charges for more than 25 years. We provide the trusted, aggressive legal representation you need to protect yourself against these charges and the penalties you are likely to face.
Shoplifting Penalties in Texas
Shoplifting is often thought of as a relatively minor crime. While some do it to avoid having to pay for items they want, others engage in shoplifting as a type of challenge or dare and get a thrill out of successfully avoiding detection. Make no mistake, though — in Texas, shoplifting is considered a theft offense. Businesses lose significant amounts of money due to these types of crimes each year. They are aggressive in their efforts to apprehend offenders, and shoplifting charges could carry serious penalties.
Under the Texas Penal Code, shoplifting can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. The penalties for shoplifting vary depending on the value of the items you are accused of trying to steal.
● For property valued at less than $50: This is charged as a Class C misdemeanor, involving fines of up to $500.
● For property valued between $50 and $500: This is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties may include fines up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
● For property valued between $500 and $1,500: This is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
● For property valued between $1,500 and $20,000: This is a felony crime. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and up to two years in the state penitentiary.
● For items valued at $20,000 or more: In addition to fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, these types of felony crimes could result in up to a 99-year prison sentence.
Protecting You Against Shoplifting Charges in Austin
To protect yourself against the above penalties and a criminal record that will follow you the rest of your life, get our legal team at Granger and Mueller, PC on your side. As experienced Austin shoplifting attorneys, we provide the aggressive legal defense you need when facing these charges in the Travis County Criminal Court. Actions we take on your behalf include:
● Disputing the circumstances surrounding your arrest.
● Gathering evidence in support of your innocence.
● Negotiating with prosecuting attorneys to drop or reduced your charges.
● Arranging for pretrial intervention programs to avoid a potential jail sentence.
Contact Our Austin Shoplifting Attorneys Today
Granger and Mueller PC provides the strong, swift legal representation you need when facing shoplifting charges. Contact our Travis County criminal defense attorneys online to schedule a consultation today.