A theft conviction in Texas — even for shoplifting — creates a permanent criminal record that can block employment, housing, and professional licenses. We fight to keep your record clean.
Years in a Texas state jail for felony theft of $2,500–$30,000 — record-clearing alternatives exist with skilled representation
Texas theft law treats all unlawful appropriation of property — from a $5 item to a multi-million dollar fraud — under a single statutory framework, with penalties that scale by value. A Class C shoplifting charge under $100 may seem minor, but it creates a permanent record that appears on background checks and can disqualify you from jobs, apartments, and professional licenses.
We build our defense by examining intent — a required element the state must prove. Theft requires that you knowingly appropriated property without the owner's consent and with intent to deprive them of it. Honest mistakes, return attempts, and ownership disputes are all valid defenses. We also scrutinize the reliability of store loss prevention procedures and surveillance evidence, which is frequently mischaracterized or overstated.
For first-time offenders, diversion programs and deferred adjudication are often available — outcomes that keep a theft charge off your permanent record entirely. We pursue every available option and advocate aggressively for the result that best protects your future.
Theft Cases We Defend
Retail theft under $750 is a misdemeanor, but even a Class C conviction creates a permanent record. We seek dismissal, deferred adjudication, or diversion to protect your background.
Class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. We challenge the valuation method, intent evidence, and whether diversion is available.
Felony theft charges ranging from state jail felony through first-degree felony. We scrutinize valuations, challenge ownership evidence, and pursue all available alternatives to incarceration.
Issuing a check without sufficient funds is a theft offense in Texas. We examine whether proper notice was given, whether restitution resolves the matter, and whether intent can be disproven.
Theft from an employer often involves complex financial records. We retain forensic experts where necessary and challenge the characterization of transactions as unauthorized.
Organized retail crime charges carry enhanced penalties. We scrutinize the alleged organizational structure and challenge whether the facts support the enhancement.
Where Your Case Lives
Most Houston arrests are handled in Harris County courts, but some allegations draw federal attention. Knowing which system you are in shapes every early decision.
Related Guides (editorial drafts pending attorney review)
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