What to Do When Arrested for Shoplifting

Shoplifting is one of the most common types of theft crimes, particularly around heavy shopping seasons like the holidays. In most cases, shoplifting involves taking a small value of property from a retail establishment without paying for it or knowingly paying an incorrect price. So long as the value of the property stolen is below $1,500, the crime is classified as a misdemeanor, which means you could face at most up to a year in prison and a fine of not more than $4,000.

However, many people who are accused of shoplifting find themselves stressed and unsure of what lies ahead. As Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers, we can tell you preparation is one of the most important keys to a successful resolution to your case. Here are a few things you can do when after your arrest.

Understanding Your Charges

The nature of your crime is going to depend entirely on the type and value of the property stolen. For the purposes of this blog, let’s use two sample crimes. The first: stealing roughly $40 worth of movies from an electronics store, the second: stealing a $1,000 diamond ring from a jeweler.

For the movies theft, the good news is you may not even have to go to jail. According to Texas law, any theft valued at $50 or less is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor, which does not carry any jail time, just a maximum fine of $500 as well as victim restitution.

For the jeweler theft, however, your charges will not be so lenient. This type of theft is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a jail sentence of up to a year, and it’s highly likely that you’ll serve at least part of that due to the nature of the item stolen.

Diversion Program

Low-level first-time offenders, such as our movie thief, could be given the opportunity to participate in a pre-trial diversion program. Essentially these allow an offender to complete a term of probation, counseling, community service, or other requirement in lieu of jail time, and once the program is completed the charges are dropped as though they never happened. This is the ideal outcome since nothing goes on your permanent criminal record.

Retain an Attorney

When you are facing shoplifting charges, it’s crucial you retain legal representation to help you through the process. Before facing your day in court, it’s strongly suggested you receive a free case evaluation from Jerry Loftin & Associates to learn more about your available options and obtain representation. An attorney can help you obtain options such as a plea deal, which can help you receive a more favorable outcome by simply agreeing to forego a full trial. An attorney can also help you arrange for a pre-trial diversion, which can help you avoid having this minor charge on your criminal record, which can have a serious negative impact on your life going forward.

Attorneys Jerry and Trent Loftin of Jerry Loftin & Associates are capable of standing by your side through any criminal charges, no matter how big or small. We have handled more than 3,000 cases through our more than 65 years of combined practice experience, and we are proud of our substantial record of success. Trent Loftin has also been named a top attorney in Fort Worth, which stands as a testament to his reputation in the community.