Stealing from a retail store, also known as shoplifting, is not taken lightly in San Antonio. In Texas, whether you were caught slipping a pair of earrings into your purse when you thought nobody was watching or you left the supermarket without paying for your cart full of groceries, you could be facing severe penalties.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested or accused of shoplifting in San Antonio, an experienced shoplifting lawyer can determine the best strategy to defend your case. At Sophia Martinez Law, our firm is led by a former District Attorney who has worked in the field for over 25 years. Criminal Defense Attorney Sophia C. Martinez empathizes with her clients’ anxiety and fears. She can guide you through the entire process and will work diligently to protect your future.
What Could Constitute Shoplifting in San Antonio, Texas?
Although many states have specific laws against shoplifting, Texas treats shoplifting crimes no different than any other theft crime. Shoplifting in Texas does not necessarily have to entail sneaking items out of a store to avoid paying. In fact, any of the following acts could result in a shoplifting charge in San Antonio:
- Entering items improperly or failing to scan every item at self-checkout
- Returning a stolen product for cash or store credit
- Modifying a barcode or price tag
- Having a cashier under-ring items or not scan a product at all
- Changing the container of an item to pay a different price
When you partner with Sophia Martinez Law, we will do our best to get your San Antonio shoplifting charges dismissed or have a conviction removed from your record. Our goal is to get you back to your daily life as quickly as the law allows with as little consequence as possible.
What Penalties Could You Face for Shoplifting in San Antonio, Texas?
Almost everyone knows that it is against the law to exit a store without paying for your items, yet shoplifting is one of the most common crimes committed in the United States. Many people tend to think of shoplifting as a minor offense with minimal penalties, but this is not the case in Texas.
Under Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, anyone accused of shoplifting in San Antonio could endure serious, sometimes life-long consequences. Punishments for shoplifting in Texas are as follows:
Texas Misdemeanor Shoplifting Penalties
- Class C Misdemeanor: Theft of items valued under $100 is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Shoplifting items valued between $100 and less than $750 is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Stealing items valued between $750 and less than $2,500 is punishable by no more than a year in the county jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
Texas Felony Shoplifting Penalties
- State Jail Felony: Shoplifting items valued between $2,500 and less than $30,000 is punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and no more than $10,000 in fines.
- Third-degree Felony Stealing items valued between $30,000 and less than $150,000 is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines.
- Second-degree Felony Theft of items valued between $150,000 and less than $300,000 is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines.
- First-degree Felony: The theft of items valued over $300,000 is punishable by up to 99 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines.
Theft and shoplifting crimes can also flag you as dishonest, making you a less desirable candidate for future jobs and becoming licensed in certain careers. If convicted of a theft crime, your employment opportunities and personal relationships could be negatively affected for years to come.
Speak With an Experienced Shoplifting Defense Lawyer in San Antonio, Texas Today
For more than 25 years, Attorney Sophia C. Martinez has represented numerous clients in the San Antonio area. Attorney Sophia Martinez is highly experienced in handling shoplifting cases and familiar with litigating in Texas courts.
To schedule a free consultation with Former District Attorney Sophia Martinez, contact Sophia Martinez Law at (210) 226-3000 or submit a completed contact form. Se habla español.