Dallas Shoplifting Lawyer
Shoplifting Is the Most Common Theft Crime
According to statistics provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, shoplifting was the most common theft crime statewide in 2011. There were 105,521 reported shoplifting offenses throughout Texas in that year alone, with the property value of stolen goods adding up to a total of $17,718,347. The average value of stolen property, however, is reported as being $168, the lowest average value for any type of theft offense.
The Centre for Retail Research reports that the most commonly shoplifted items worldwide are clothing and accessories, grocery items such as meat and cheese, and health and beauty products including shaving products and perfumes. Whatever you are accused of stealing, you need a proven Dallas criminal defense lawyer to help you fight the charges and protect you against the sentence you could receive if convicted.
Shoplifting Penalties in Dallas
The penalty you could receive for a shoplifting conviction depends on the value of stolen goods involved in your case. If the item was valued at less than $50, it is a Class C misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of $500. For property valued at between $50 and $500, shoplifting is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. If the property was valued at between $500 and $1,500, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor and it carries a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The possible penalties continue to escalate with increasing property value, but given that most shoplifting offenses involve relatively low-valued items, most will be charged as misdemeanors.
Speak with a Dallas Theft Crimes Attorney Today
At the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., we are committed to defending our clients' rights, and we want to help you resolve this difficult situation. Whether you have been accused of shoplifting or if you are concerned that retail theft allegations could have negative consequences for your child's future in the case of a juvenile crime, we urge you to take the first step in the criminal defense process by contacting us for an initial case evaluation.