Frisco Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

Being arrested for shoplifting in Frisco can feel overwhelming and frightening. The consequences of a theft conviction extend far beyond fines and potential jail time. Additionally, they can impact your employment, housing opportunities, and professional reputation for years to come. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our Frisco shoplifting defense attorneys understand the stakes and work hard to protect your future.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable experience as a former prosecutor who now focuses his practice on defending clients against criminal charges. With offices conveniently located in Frisco at 5 Cowboys Way STE 300, we provide personalized defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. Don’t face these charges alone. Contact us at 214-949-4117 for a free consultation.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges in Frisco, Texas

Under Texas law, shoplifting falls under the broader category of theft as defined in Texas Penal Code Chapter 31. Specifically, Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 governs theft offenses, which include shoplifting or retail theft. The law defines theft as unlawfully appropriating property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property.

In Frisco’s busy retail districts, including Stonebriar Centre, shoplifting charges commonly arise from various scenarios. These may include concealing merchandise, switching price tags, consuming food or beverages without paying, or leaving a store without paying for items. What many people don’t realize is that you can be charged with shoplifting even if you never leave the store. The intent to steal is what matters under Texas law.

Shoplifting differs from other theft crimes primarily in the location and method of the alleged offense. While burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with intent to commit theft, and robbery involves taking property through force or threat, shoplifting typically occurs in retail establishments through concealment or deception. Understanding these distinctions is important for building an effective defense strategy.

The prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a shoplifting conviction. They must demonstrate that you unlawfully appropriated property, that you intended to deprive the owner of that property, and that you did so without the owner’s consent. Our Frisco shoplifting defense team carefully examines each element to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Penalties for Shoplifting Convictions in Collin County

The penalties for shoplifting in Texas depend primarily on the value of the allegedly stolen merchandise and whether the offense qualifies as organized retail theft under the new legislation. Understanding these penalty ranges is important for anyone facing theft charges in Collin County.

Traditional Shoplifting Penalties (Simple Theft Cases)

• Class C Misdemeanor (Under $100): If the value of the merchandise is less than $100, you may face a Class C misdemeanor charge. This carries a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time. However, even this seemingly minor charge creates a permanent criminal record that can affect future opportunities.
• Class B Misdemeanor ($100-$749): When the merchandise value ranges from $100 to $749, the charge escalates to a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 180 days in county jail and fines up to $2,000. This level of charge can significantly impact your employment and housing prospects.
• Class A Misdemeanor ($750-$2,499): For merchandise valued between $750 and $2,499, you face a Class A misdemeanor charge. This carries up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. A Class A misdemeanor conviction can have serious long-term consequences for your personal and professional life.
• State Jail Felony ($2,500-$29,999): When the value exceeds $2,500, shoplifting becomes a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. Felony convictions carry lifelong consequences and can result in the loss of certain civil rights.

Enhanced Penalties for Organized Retail Theft (Effective September 1, 2025)

Under the new Texas Senate Bill 1300, organized retail theft cases face significantly enhanced penalties, with all charges elevated by at least one level. These enhanced penalties may apply when theft involves coordination, planning, or aggregated values across multiple incidents.

Beyond these standard penalties, repeat offenders face enhanced punishments. If you have previous theft convictions, even minor shoplifting charges can be elevated to higher offense levels with more severe consequences.

Defense Strategies for Frisco Shoplifting Cases

Our Frisco criminal defense attorneys employ various strategies to defend against shoplifting charges. The most effective approach depends on the specific facts of your case. However, several common defenses have proven successful in Collin County courts.

• Lack of Intent to Steal: The prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the store of merchandise. If you simply forgot to pay for an item, became distracted, or made an honest mistake, we can argue that you lacked the required criminal intent. This defense is particularly effective when the evidence shows you were still shopping or had means to pay for the items.
• Mistake of Fact Defenses: Sometimes individuals genuinely believe they have permission to take items or misunderstand store policies. For example, if you reasonably believed an item was free or that you had already paid for it, this could constitute a valid defense.
• Challenging Evidence and Witness Testimony: Retail theft cases often rely heavily on surveillance footage and witness testimony from store employees. Our team carefully reviews all evidence to identify inconsistencies, gaps in surveillance coverage, or witness credibility issues. Poor video quality, obstructed views, or biased witness testimony can create reasonable doubt.
• Procedural Violations by Law Enforcement: Police officers must follow specific procedures when investigating shoplifting cases. If officers failed to read your Miranda rights, conducted an illegal search, or violated other constitutional protections, we can move to suppress evidence or dismiss charges entirely.
• Constitutional Rights Violations: Every person has constitutional rights that must be respected during criminal investigations. If store security or police violated your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches or your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, we can challenge the admissibility of evidence obtained through these violations.

The Criminal Court Process in Collin County

Understanding the criminal court process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. In Collin County, shoplifting cases typically follow this path:

1. Initial Arrest and Booking – Officers take you to the detention facility for fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. You may be released on bond or held until your initial court appearance.
2. Court Appearances and Plea Negotiations – Your first appearance is the arraignment where you hear formal charges and enter a plea. Courts typically file misdemeanor cases within 20-60 days of arrest, giving our attorneys time to begin prosecutor negotiations.
3. Trial Preparation and Representation – If your case proceeds to trial, we conduct thorough preparation including witness interviews, evidence review, and legal research to develop compelling arguments.
4. Potential Outcomes – Depending on your case’s strength and criminal history, outcomes may include dismissal of charges, deferred adjudication, community service, probation, or alternative sentencing avoiding jail time.
5. Working with Prosecutors – Our Frisco theft attorneys maintain professional relationships with Collin County prosecutors. This rapport, combined with our former prosecutor’s understanding of how the state builds cases, often leads to favorable plea negotiations and reduced charges.

Long-Term Consequences of Shoplifting Convictions

A shoplifting conviction creates consequences that extend far beyond the immediate penalties imposed by the court. Understanding these long-term impacts underscores the importance of mounting a vigorous defense.

• Criminal Record Implications: Any theft conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, visible to employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks. Even minor shoplifting convictions can follow you for decades, affecting opportunities you may not even consider today.
• Employment and Housing Impacts: Many employers conduct background checks and may refuse to hire individuals with theft convictions, viewing them as dishonesty indicators. Similarly, landlords often reject rental applications from individuals with criminal records, making it difficult to secure housing.
• Professional Licensing Concerns: If you hold or seek professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, finance, or law, a theft conviction can result in license suspension, revocation, or denial. Professional boards take theft convictions seriously as they reflect on character and trustworthiness.
• Civil Demand Letters from Retailers: Beyond criminal penalties, many retailers send civil demand letters seeking additional compensation for alleged shoplifting incidents. These letters often demand payment of several hundred dollars, regardless of the merchandise value. While you’re not legally required to pay these demands, they add stress and financial pressure to an already difficult situation.
• Immigration Consequences for Non-Citizens: For non-U.S. citizens, theft convictions can trigger serious immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings, denial of naturalization applications, or inadmissibility for future immigration benefits. These consequences make aggressive defense representation important for non-citizen defendants.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Frisco Case

When facing shoplifting charges in Frisco, choosing the right attorney can make the difference between conviction and dismissal. Founding attorney Justin Wilson’s background as a former prosecutor provides valuable understanding of how the state builds theft cases, allowing us to anticipate prosecution strategies and identify weaknesses other attorneys might miss. Our firm has successfully defended numerous clients against theft charges, including one notable case where we argued the client was still shopping and lacked intent to steal, resulting in complete dismissal.

Our attorneys regularly practice in Collin County courts and maintain relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court staff, providing local knowledge that helps us achieve better outcomes. We tailor defense strategies to your specific circumstances rather than using cookie-cutter approaches, carefully analyzing evidence and legal issues to develop the most effective defense for your situation.

Contact Our Frisco Shoplifting Defense Team

Don’t face shoplifting charges alone. The attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer are ready to fight for your rights and protect your future. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options, reviewing the facts of your case, explaining potential consequences, and outlining possible defense strategies.

Contact our Frisco office at 5 Cowboys Way STE 300, Frisco, TX 75034, or call 214-949-4117. We’re available 24/7 for urgent matters with bilingual support and Zoom appointments when needed. Criminal charges don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we – our team provides immediate assistance when you need it most.

Time is critical in criminal cases – the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense. Being charged with shoplifting doesn’t mean you’re guilty, and with the right legal representation, many cases can be dismissed or resolved favorably. Call 214-949-4117 now to schedule your free consultation and let us fight for you.