Many people discount the seriousness of shoplifting. We often hear from adults who recount how they stole items from a store when they were children or teenagers. People are often surprised to learn shoplifters can and do get jail time for their crimes in Texas.
In Texas, shoplifting is punished as a theft when you take property unlawfully. It is taken without the consent of the owner and with the intent to deprive the owner of it.
Shoplifting takes many forms
When we think of shoplifting, we typically think of a thief running from the store with an item or concealing it.
But you can also be charged for shoplifting if you switch the price tag on an item to get it at a lower price. This is also considered to be a theft offense.
Laws and Penalties for Shoplifting in Texas
In Texas, as in other states, the value of the item stolen is related to the likely sentence a shoplifter will receive.
If the item stolen is worth less than $50, it is classified as a Class C misdemeanor and the offender will receive a fine of up to $500 on conviction.
Stealing an item in the $50 to $499 value range is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. You could face up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
If you shoplift an item in the $500 to $1,499 price range, it’s classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Conviction will result in a maximum of one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, on conviction.
Stealing an item or items valued from $1,500 to $19,999 is classified as a state jail felony. You could end up serving up to two years in jail and be fined $10,000.
Laws and Penalties for Shoplifting in Texas
Theft crimes in Texas are almost identical to shoplifting. The main difference is theft does not have to take place at a store. It’s defined as taking something of value from another person, without their permission. If you stole goods from the back of a truck in a parking lot, you would commit theft. Theft charges fall into the same categories in terms of seriousness and jail time or fines. See our pages about theft crimes here.
If you have been charged with a shoplifting or a theft crime, don’t be complacent. These crimes can land you in jail and Texas is tough on shoplifters.
Call our experienced shoplifting and theft defense attorneys at Peek Law Group at F:P:Sub:Phone} for a consultation.