Shoplifting accusations in Texas, or being labeled as a thief for allegedly committing retail theft, can be a very embarrassing experience. Many shop owners and store managers are vigilant about reducing retail theft, so they are quick to falsely accuse someone without sufficient proof.

If you have been accused of retail theft, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown to identify mitigating factors and defenses to potentially have your charges reduced dismissed or even dismissed.

Georgetown Shoplifting Lawyer

If you have been charged with retail theft in Georgetown, or any of the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Killeen or Temple, contact Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 to discuss the facts of your alleged theft offense.

Criminal defense attorney Michael J. Price will make every effort to have your name cleared of the serious allegations you are facing and help you get your life back on track.


Back to Top

Retail Theft Definition in Georgetown

According to Tex. Penal Code § 31.03, retail theft or shoplifting can occur if an individual commits the offense of theft by intentionally and unlawfully taking the property of another person without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of the property.

Shoplifting or retail theft offenses are usually committed at malls, large department stores or retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target or Home Depot.


Back to Top

Shoplifting Penalties in Williamson County

Retail theft can result in a conviction for a misdemeanor or a felony, and the penalties for this offense can vary depending on the value of the allegedly stolen property, according to Tex. Penal Code § 31.03. The statutorily provided penalties are as follows:

  • An individual can be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the allegedly stolen property was more than $500 but less than $1500. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000.
  • An individual can be convicted of a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the allegedly stolen property was $50 or more but less than $500 or $50 or less, but the offender has been previously convicted of theft. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
  • An individual can be convicted of a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the allegedly stolen property was less than $50. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $500.
  • An individual can be convicted of a state jail felony if the value of the allegedly stolen property was $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, or the value was  less than $1,500 and the offender has previously been convicted of theft two or more times. A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to two years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  • An individual can be convicted of a felony of the third degree if the value of the allegedly stolen property stolen was $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000. A felony of the third degree is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  • An individual can be convicted of a felony of the second degree if the value of the allegedly stolen property was $100,000 or more, but less than $200,000. A felony of the second degree is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  • An individual can be convicted of a felony of the first degree if the value of the allegedly stolen property was $200,000 or more. A felony of the first degree is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

In addition to the preceding criminal penalties, an individual can face civil penalties under the Texas Theft Liability Act. This act allows victims of retail theft or shoplifting to sue for damages. If a person convicted of retail theft or shoplifting is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian can be sued for the damages under this act.


Back to Top

Organized Retail Theft in Georgetown

Organized retail theft is essentially an organized theft ring. A person can be charged with this offense if they intentionally conduct, promote or facilitate an activity in which a person receives, possesses, conceals, stores, barters, sells or disposes of stolen retail merchandise or merchandise that is represented as stolen, under Tex. Penal Code § 31.16.

The penalties for organized retail theft can vary depending on the value of the allegedly stolen merchandise.

An individual can be convicted of a state jail felony if the value of the merchandise is $1,500 or more, but less than $20,000. A state jail felony conviction can result in 180 days to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual can be convicted of a felony of the third degree if the value of the merchandise is $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000. A felony of the third-degree conviction can result in two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual can be convicted of a felony of the second degree if the value of the merchandise is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000. A felony of the second-degree conviction can be punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000,

An individual can be convicted of a felony of the first degree if the value of the merchandise is $200,000 or more. A first-degree felony conviction can be punishable by five to 99 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Additionally, the crime of organized theft can be increased to the next degree of theft offense if the alleged offender organized, supervised or managed other people in an organized retail theft, or if they intentionally activated an alarm in the store to create a distraction during the commission of the offense.


Back to Top

Price & Twine, PLLC | Williamson County Retail Theft Attorney

Contact Price & Twine, PLLC if you have been arrested for a shoplifting or retail theft offense. Michael J. Price is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown who will make every effort to defend you against the harsh penalties and consequences that can result from a conviction of your alleged offense.

Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 or send an online message for a consultation about your alleged shoplifting charge throughout Williamson County and Bell County in Texas.