Shoplifting

Houston Shoplifting Attorney

Shoplifting is a form of theft. Under Texas law, shoplifting means taking one or more merchandise
items from a retail establishment without the intention of paying for them. It can also mean altering
an item’s price tag or switching the tag on one item for the tag of a less expensive item.

Being convicted of shoplifting can be humiliating and might result in the creation of a permanent
criminal record. Depending on the sentence handed down by a court, a shoplifting
conviction may result in credit record damage or being denied employment in a
number of fields. Rand Mintzer, Attorney at Law will provide you with the
best legal defense available.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting, call the law firm
of Rand Mintzer today at 713-862-8880 for a free consultation.

Possible Shoplifting Penalties

The penalties for shoplifting include monetary retribution, confinement or a combination of the two. Penalties may vary, depending on the retail value of the taken goods:

  • Valued at less than $50: a maximum fine of $500
  • Valued from $50 to $499: 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000
  • Valued from $500 to $1,499: one year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000
  • Valued from $1,500 to $14,999: two years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000

The above punishments can also be enhanced. If the accused has had prior shoplifting convictions, or if he or she stole firearms, ammunition or precious metals, harsher sentences are possible.

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges

Many shoplifting charges are the result of honest errors or simple misunderstandings. In such cases,
it is difficult for prosecutors to prove that the accused had intentions to shoplift. To ensure one’s
innocence, it is vitally important to be represented by a knowledgeable and aggressive shoplifting
defense lawyer such as Houston Metro Area defense attorney Rand Mintzer.

CONTACT A HOUSTON DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Shoplifting attorney Rand Mintzer has years of experience in defending his clients against charges of theft. Contact him right away at 713-862-8880 if you have recently been charged with a retail crime.

Criminal defense attorney Rand Mintzer will review your case for free before carefully explaining the steps necessary to secure your freedom.

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