If you have been caught shoplifting, you may be wondering what the consequences will be. While the punishment for shoplifting is ultimately up to the judge, there are some common consequences that petty theft crimes can incur. Shoplifting is still a crime. Depending on the value of the item shoplifted, it can be a serious crime. Most of the time though, a shoplifting theft crime falls under what is referred to as petty theft. This blog post will outline some of the most common punishments for shoplifting in an effort to help those who have been charged with this crime.
What Exactly is Shoplifting
Shoplifting is an act of theft in which an individual steals goods from a retail shop or business. Typically, shoplifters will conceal the items that they steal in order to avoid detection. Altering, transferring, or removing the price tag or label from merchandise with the intention of depriving the business of its full value is also a form of shoplifting. You can also be charged with shoplifting for removing, destroying, deactivating, or causing any inventory control tag to become inoperable. In Texas, the level of offense you can be charged with depends on the value of the items you are alleged to have stolen. It is possible for an amount of theft to qualify as a felony, but, we will only consider Class C Misdemeanor Shoplifting, also sometimes referred to as petty theft, which is theft of property valued at less than $100.
Although shoplifting is one of the most common theft crimes and may seem like a relatively minor offense, it is treated as a serious crime in most states, including Texas. Additionally, shoplifting often can come with penalties and fines, either in the form of jail time or financial penalties.
Consequences of Shoplifting
Community Service
One of the most common punishments for shoplifting is community service. Community service is typically ordered for first-time offenders and those whose crimes were not serious. For example, if you are caught shoplifting a small item from a store, you may be ordered to perform community service. The number of hours of community service will depend on the severity of the crime and the county in which you were caught shoplifting.
Probation
Probation is another common consequence of shoplifting. Probation is a period of time during which you will be supervised by a probation officer and must meet certain conditions. These conditions may include things like paying restitution, completing community service, or attending counseling. The length of your probation will depend on the severity of your crime and the county in which you were caught shoplifting.
Jail Time
In some cases, jail time may be imposed as a punishment for shoplifting. Jail time is typically reserved for more serious crimes or for repeat offenders. The length of jail time will depend on the severity of your crime and the county in which you were caught shoplifting.
Criminal Defense Attorney for Shoplifting
If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to understand the possible consequences that you may face. As covered above, some of the most common punishments for shoplifting include community service, probation, and jail time. The specific punishment that you will receive will depend on the severity of your crime and the county in which you were caught shoplifting but it may be possible to beat the theft charge.
If you are facing charges of shoplifting, it is crucial to work with an experienced theft attorney who can help you navigate this complex legal process. With the right legal support and guidance, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and that you have every opportunity to obtain a favorable outcome for your case. So don’t hesitate – get in touch with a skilled criminal defense lawyer from The Fox Firm to learn more about how they can help you deal with shoplifting charges.