Justin Wilson
Senior Attorney
Have you been arrested for shoplifting in Dallas? If so, you need dedicated legal counsel to help you fight the charges against you and seek a positive outcome to your case. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today for an initial case review with a criminal defense attorney to speak with our experienced Dallas shoplifting defense lawyers about your rights and options.
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Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer After an Arrest for Shoplifting?
Your finances, freedom, and future are on the line right now. Protect them with the help of a theft and property crime defense attorney from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer. We can assist you in your case by:
- Thoroughly investigating your charges and preparing a comprehensive defense strategy
- Explaining your charges so you can make informed decisions about how to handle your case
- Vigorously challenging the prosecution’s case at each stage of the case
- Fighting for the best resolution to your charges, even should that mean taking your case to trial
Why Choose an Attorney from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer?
Having experienced legal advocacy as you face shoplifting charges in Dallas can help you protect your rights, reputation, and future. Turn to a criminal defense attorney from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to help you seek a favorable resolution to your shoplifting charges because:
- Our legal team has established a reputation for thorough case preparation, diligent legal advocacy, and exceptional client service.
- We tailor our strategy to each client’s case and their needs, concerns, and goals.
- We will hear your story, explain your charges and legal options, and develop a compelling case to pursue the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
- Our criminal defense lawyers use their in-depth legal knowledge and litigation experience to defend your interests as you face the criminal justice system.
Understanding Shoplifting Charges in Dallas
In Texas, prosecutors pursue shoplifting charges under the state’s theft statute. Under the theft statute, a person commits an offense if they unlawfully appropriate property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. The law deems appropriation of property unlawful when:
- The person takes it without the owner’s effective consent,
- The person appropriates the property knowing that another party stole it from the owner, or
- The person steals property from the custody of a law enforcement agency after an officer identifies the property as stolen, and the person appropriates it believing that another party stole it.
The grading of a shoplifting charge under Texas law depends on the value of the merchandise stolen:
- Property valued at less than $100: Class C misdemeanor (or Class B misdemeanor for a defendant with a prior theft conviction)
- Property valued at $100 or more but less than $750: Class B misdemeanor
- Property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor
- Property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000: State jail felony
- Property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000: Third-degree felony
- Property valued at $150,000 or more but less than $300,000: Second-degree felony
- Property valued at $300,000 or more: First-degree felony
The law allows the grading of a shoplifting charge to increase by one degree if, during the offense, the perpetrator intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
- Caused a fire alarm to sound or activate
- Deactivated or prevented a fire exit alarm or retail theft detector from sounding
- Used a shield or deactivation device to prevent or attempt to prevent a retail theft detector from sounding
The grading of a felony shoplifting offense can also increase by one degree if the state proves the defendant possessed a firearm during the commission of the offense.
Texas’s Penal Code has other shoplifting-related offenses, including:
- Possession, manufacture, or distribution of instruments used to commit retail theft: The law prohibits possession of shielding or deactivation instruments designed to defeat retail theft detection systems.
- Organized retail theft: A person commits an offense if they intentionally conduct, promote, or facilitate an activity in which they receive, possess, conceal, store, barter, sell, or dispose of stolen retail merchandise or merchandise explicitly represented as stolen from a retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting
Here are the answers to questions that clients facing shoplifting charges frequently have.
What penalties could I face for a shoplifting conviction?
The penalties for a shoplifting conviction will depend on the value of the merchandise stolen, whether you have prior theft convictions, and whether you committed any aggravating behaviors during the shoplifting offense. In Texas, sentences for shoplifting can include:
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both incarceration and a fine
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both incarceration and a fine
- State jail felony: One hundred eighty days to two years in state jail and a potential fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: Two to ten years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: Two to 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: Life imprisonment or five to 99 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
A court may also impose a restitution obligation as part of your sentence. This requires you to reimburse the retailer for the value of the stolen merchandise and any related property damage.
What defenses could I raise against a shoplifting charge?
Here are some common defenses that may be available to you:
- Lack of intent: Defendants may deny having intended to shoplift, such as by arguing they mistakenly failed to scan an item at self-checkout.
- Proof of purchase: A defendant can present receipts or other evidence to prove they paid for the merchandise they took from a store.
- Mistaken identity: Defendants facing shoplifting charges may assert that store employees or the police erroneously identified them as the shoplifter, mistaking them for another person observed in the store or on surveillance footage.
- Unlawful search: A defendant may seek to exclude evidence from the defendant’s case by showing that police obtained it through an unlawful search.
What steps should I take after a shoplifting arrest?
You can protect yourself during a shoplifting arrest by invoking your right to remain silent, refraining from answering the police’s charges about your case, and requesting to speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Firm Today for Legal Assistance
Don’t face the shoplifting charges against you alone. Call My Dallas Criminal Lawyer at 214-949-4117 today for a confidential consultation with a Dallas shoplifting defense lawyer. We look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and explaining what we can do on your behalf.
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
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What Our Clients Say
Eddie C.
Justin is a truly talented lawyer. His ability to think critically, and analyze quickly, are just a couple of traits that make him an excellent advocate for anyone charged with a crime. I’ve sat next to him in the courtroom and it is truly amazing to see him connect with a jury. He is an absolute pro.
Kamran V.
This law firm did an outstanding job for me. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They delivered exactly what they promised, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help.
Thomas A.
Justin Wilson and Justin Harris were amazing. Highly recommend them.
Lybbie
I trust Justin for any legal related questions and he certainly delivers. I recommend him 100% as he is committed to you from start to end- no matter the situation.
Cristal D.
Absolutely the best team you could ask for. From start to finish, the entire office was professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated. They made me feel heard, respected, and confident during one of the most stressful times of my life. Their communication was consistent, and you can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their outcomes.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who is sharp, honest, and will fight for you like it’s personal – this is the team you want on your side. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did. They truly are the best in the business.
Natalie M.
Justin Harris was an exceptional lawyer- he is hardworking and dedicated and will reach your needs and more.
He was reliable and professional in every way. He makes sure that you are not only heard but seen. When working with Justin- it gave me strong trust that he cared and that he is a man of his word.
Highly recommend this law firm. Justin and the team handled my case with the upmost care, always kind and professional, and let me know all the details every step of the way.
Prof. Carlos R.
My first impression with Justin and Heidi was that they are a first class law firm, very professional and very open to answering questions and making a person feel appreciated. I am glad I met both at Formation in Frisco Texas.
Alex C.
I have come to know Justin and his team through my practice as a civil lawyer, and Justin has always impressed me with the way he treats his clients, and his ability to clearly explain options. He works tirelessly to be prepared for all his cases, and always treats others with professionalism and respect.
Joshua J.
Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to any one who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.
Yoker V.
I highly recommend Justin 100%, the total positive experience started the moment we first spoke. Justin is a complete and total professional and a highly skilled lawyer outside and especially inside the courtroom. My case had its challenges but Justin skillfully did his research and presented the court and jury a master class. At the end of the trial the judge looked at the prosecutor and said, ” That’s how it’s done.” YLV