Athens Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
Reducing Charges & Clearing Up Minor Mistakes For Clients in Henderson County, Surrounding Counties & Northeast Texas
This theft crime involves taking something from a store with the express intention of not paying for it. Shoplifting also includes certain retail fraud acts such as tampering with or switching the price tag on an item so as to pay a lower price. Returning a stolen item for cash or goods is an example of refund fraud, which is also considered shoplifting. Shoplifting charges can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the item or items stolen and the manner in which they were taken.
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Hear It From Our Clients
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The best attorney! He is so kind, fast, straightforward, honest, and hard-working. His price is great! Mr. Knight, you just don't know how much I appreciate you and how much you've done for us! Handled everything in the same day.- Prasyla
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Amazing lawyer! He took care of my case and got me exactly what I needed in 24 hours. I had already consulted another two lawyers, and they both told me it wasn't possible. I guess they were wrong because Mr. Knight got it done!- Olim D.
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I violated my felony probation with a DWI. Mr. Knight answered all my calls and got me reinstated ASAP! Seemed like he knew the district attorney and judge pretty well. Definitely the type of guy you want on your side.- Preston
Understanding Shoplifting Charges & Penalties
The degree of your charge and sentence if convicted will hinge heavily upon the value of the item or items allegedly stolen. The more valuable the property in question, the more severe the penalty.
It can be broken down as follows:
- Class C Misdemeanor Theft: Property taken = less than $100
- Penalty: fines up to $500, no jail time
- Class B Misdemeanor Theft: Property taken = $100-$750
- Penalty: fines up to $2,000, no more than 180 days in jail
- Class A Misdemeanor Theft: Property taken = $750-$2,500
- Penalty: fines up to $4,000, no more than one year in jail
Criminal prosecutors must prove that the defendant had the criminal intent to steal merchandise. Innocent people can be charged with shoplifting simply for a moment of absent-mindedness where an individual didn't realize they still had the item in their possession.
