Shoplifting Defense in Texas
Charged with Shoplifting in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, or Plano? Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696
Shoplifting may sound like a minor charge, but in Texas, it can lead to jail time, a permanent criminal record, and lifelong consequences—even for a first offense. Whether you or your child were accused of stealing from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or any retail store, it's critical to speak with a skilled defense attorney immediately.
At Texas Defenders, we help clients across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties fight shoplifting charges and protect their future. We understand how prosecutors handle these cases, and we know how to keep them off your record.
What Is Shoplifting Under Texas Law?
Shoplifting is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code § 31.03 – Theft. You can be charged if you are accused of:
-
Taking items without paying
-
Concealing merchandise with intent to steal
-
Altering or swapping price tags
-
Walking past all points of sale with unpaid items
-
Helping someone else commit retail theft
The law doesn't require that you leave the store—just the intent to steal can lead to charges if store security believes you concealed or tampered with merchandise.
Penalties for Shoplifting in Texas
Shoplifting penalties depend on the value of the stolen items, whether you have prior convictions, and other circumstances.
| Value of Property | Charge | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
|
Under $100 |
Class C Misdemeanor |
Fine up to $500 |
|
$100 – $749 |
Class B Misdemeanor |
Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine |
|
$750 – $2,499 |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine |
|
$2,500+ or 2+ priors |
Felony |
6 months – 2 years (State Jail) or more depending on value |
⚠️ A Class B Misdemeanor or higher can show up on background checks, limit job prospects, and may prevent expunction—even if you avoid jail.
Civil Demand Letters After Arrest
If you're arrested for shoplifting, you may receive a civil demand letter from the store or a law firm demanding $250–$500 in “damages.” These are separate from criminal charges, and while not legally enforceable like a judgment, they are often used to intimidate.
You do not have to pay a civil demand to avoid criminal prosecution—consult a lawyer first.
Common Shoplifting Arrest Locations
We regularly handle cases from:
-
Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Macy's, Home Depot, CVS, Walgreens
-
Malls in Dallas Galleria, Grapevine Mills, Stonebriar Centre, and Golden Triangle
-
National retailers across Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Denton, Lewisville, and Arlington
Police are routinely called by loss prevention officers—even if the value is low or you were cooperative.
How We Defend Shoplifting Charges
At Texas Defenders, we've helped hundreds of clients avoid convictions and clear their records. Our defense strategies include:
✅ Lack of Intent – Mistaken item in cart or bag does not equal theft.
✅ Illegal Stop or Detention – If store security violated your rights, we challenge the evidence.
✅ First-Offender Programs – We negotiate for dismissal or pretrial diversion if eligible.
✅ Record Clearing – We work to make you eligible for expunction or nondisclosure.
We treat your case seriously—because the consequences are serious.
Serving Clients Across North Texas
We represent clients charged with shoplifting throughout:
-
Dallas County – including Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Duncanville
-
Tarrant County – including Fort Worth, Arlington, Hurst, Bedford
-
Collin County – including McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen
-
Denton County – including Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, The Colony
No matter where the arrest happened, if it's in North Texas, we're ready to fight for you.
Arrested for Shoplifting? Don't Let One Mistake Ruin Your Life.
If you've been charged with shoplifting—especially for the first time—don't plead guilty or ignore the case. You may be eligible to get it dismissed and wiped from your record.
Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696 today for a free consultation and start building your defense now.
