Texas Shoplifting Attorney
In Texas being accused of shoplifting, or theft is considered a serious offense. Shoplifting is one offense defined in Texas as a crime of moral turpitude. A conviction of theft can involve a wide range of possible penalties, and also can include differing collateral consequences relating to the nature of the offense. Most charges involving property thefts are deemed to be “crimes of moral turpitude.” Any crimes of moral turpitude is something to take into serious account, because it can negatively affect job employment, etc. for years to come. It is a theft-related crime and it is prohibited. If convicted, a person may have to face severe consequences that can affect their future life especially the employment opportunities. The record of shoplifting makes the character of a person questionable. As a result, they are unable to find suitable opportunities for their future.
It must be noted here that the charges of shoplifting are not easy to be proved. It is a general conception that they can be easily proved. However, there is a requirement of intent. According to the law, a person who is stealing something from somewhere must have the intention to do the act. This is the only way to which it can be proven that a person has done the crime. This intention is known as “mens rea” in terms of criminology. A person who has walked out of the shop without paying for the things they have bought does not mean they had the intention to steal it. There is a possibility that they forgot to pay for it. This is the reason the intention of a person must be proved in the court to justify all the charges.
Effects of shoplifting:
Shoplifting is one of those crimes that have the most long-lasting effects on the future of the person. As it is a crime that directly influences the personality traits of a person, it is hard to get back the credibility as it is already challenged. The damages are usually long-lasting that is why they need to be taken quite seriously. When the act is proved in the court, no one can stop the damages. Also, mitigation of the damages becomes difficult. There are some states that provide the opportunity to the convicted person to attend a program whereby a case will be dismissed as a result. On the completion of this program, there are chances that accused will not receive a conviction. As a result, future consequences can be reduced.
Punishments for shoplifting (or theft):
If you have been accused of shoplifting, the punishment will be determined according to the current market values of the products that are being stolen. The penalties for each vary significantly based on many factors, including what classification the charge is. Theft crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense, and usually it is based on the value of the property allegedly stolen, and also factors that are taken into effect is whether or not force was used to gain access to the property. However, in some cases, prior theft convictions also play a major role in the penalty you need to pay. For example, the theft of property that has a value of $50 or less than that is charged as per class C misdemeanor in which jail is not mandatory. The penalties for each vary significantly based on many factors, including what classification the charge is. Theft crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense, and usually, it is based on the value of the property allegedly stolen, and also factors that are taken into effect is whether or not force was used to gain access to the property.
Charges of theft are very serious offenses that must be defended in the proper fashion by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Theft charges often stem from people experiencing difficult financial situations throughout their life. Facing with sometimes very depressing financial hardships, often individuals resort to doing things that wouldn’t ordinarily do. When someone is charged with theft, the individual is suspected of taking some form of property that another person with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of that property. Theft crimes can include a variety of different charges including, writing a bad check, identity theft, burglary, petty theft, fraud, embezzlement, and shoplifting are all examples of typical theft crimes.
Regardless, it is important to take all theft charges very seriously, because even a minor theft conviction can have a devastating and negative impact on your life now and your future both now and in the future. A misdemeanor theft conviction could totally alter and change your current and future employment for the rest of your life. Many companies and jobs have policies where they will not hire a person who has something in their background that may question their honesty and ability to be trustworthy. These negative implications can last the rest of your life and can come up and follow you for a long time in the future, even if you have put it behind you.
Contact a Texas Theft Defense Attorney
It is imperative that you seek the services of a skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable Texas shoplifting attorney to help you handle your case. If you have been accused of theft in Texas, The Ceder Law Firm can help. Contact us at any time for assistance at 214.702.CARL(2275) or 469.2000.DWI(394). You can also e-mail Carl directly at [email protected]; or to the office for general inquiries at [email protected]. Phones should be answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week for immediate and prompt assistance. Contact Carl today for a free and confidential legal review of your case and a full understanding of Texas penalties for all types of charges of theft. It is imperative you make the right decision about hiring the right defense lawyer for your case. Your freedom and your financial independence depend on it.
