Theft Lawyer Arlington TX
When someone is accusing you of stealing, you may be wondering if you need a theft lawyer in Arlington, TX at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. Many people who have not committed the crime they are being accused of believe they do not need to bother with hiring an attorney. After all, if you are innocent, won’t the truth come out? Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and if you are accused of a crime you could be facing a lifetime of punishment including a criminal record and even prison time. Being charged with theft is very serious, and there are many reasons you should not try to defend yourself in court. Instead, speak with the attorneys at our firm to discuss the details of your case and see how we can help you in court.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
Many people may initially opt to save a quick buck by defending themselves in court after they have been accused of theft. However, when they do get to court they realize they are not as prepared as they thought they were and this can end up very poorly for them. If you think you can read books and look up information on the internet to properly defend yourself, this can work against you. You might find valuable practical information, but learning information is not a substitute for prior experience in a courtroom and knowing how to properly argue for and defend a person accused of theft. Further, your Arlington, TX theft lawyer understands the legal system and have the confidence necessary to represent you in a courtroom.
Pressure to Convict
In certain situations, the judge or prosecutor on the case may feel more pressure to be tough on you for your theft charges depending on circumstances like re-election or depending on how high-profile the case is. You may not always realize when there are extra factors in play like this, which is why representing yourself can be a huge mistake. A theft lawyer in TX will likely know more information about the prosecution, the judge, and if the case is high-profile. This kind of knowledge is invaluable when it comes to creating a solid defense for your theft charges.
What a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do
Your theft lawyer in Arlington at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. can establish and build upon a defense strategy, in addition to offering useful insight into the legal system. For example, they will know the different courtroom procedures and customs that you likely will not know if you don’t have legal experience. They can also help to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor which can result in reduced charges. It is not surprising that a prosecutor would not want to make a deal with a defendant who represents themselves instead of a criminal defense attorney.
If you have been charged with theft, you should speak with a member of our legal team right away to get started on your case. To set up an appointment, please reach out to an Arlington theft lawyer in Texas at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. as soon as possible.
If you are in need of the top theft lawyer Arlington TX has to offer, contact the Brandy Austin Law Firm for a free consultation today. In Texas, the Texas Penal Code defines theft as unlawfully appropriating of property with the intent to deprive the owner of property. The appropriation is unlawful if it is without the owner’s consent. Charges for theft can vary greatly. You can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, the most minor of charges in Texas, all the way up to a first-degree felony, which is punishable by life in prison.
Shoplifting is considered a type of theft under State law. There are several different types of shoplifting actions, but the general legal definition is the act of stealing product from a retailer. A shoplifting charge can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the merchandise stolen and the state laws.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, contact Brandy Austin Law Firm today to meet with our skilled theft lawyer in Arlington, TX. We will ensure your rights are protected through this process.
Types of Shoplifting
Concealing items: A theft lawyer from Arlington, Texas can explain that when a person conceals merchandise in a purse, bag, under clothing or some other way in an attempt to leave the store without paying for the item, this is legally considered shoplifting. Some individuals will remove the product from whatever packaging it may be in, so they can conceal the item even more. Other individuals just steal the item packaging and all.
Concealing the item in other items: Another form of shoplifting is when a person takes an item and hides it in another item of lesser value and then purchase that item. For example, a person may hide an expensive necklace in a cheap tote bag and they purchase the tote bag. This is why cashiers will routinely go through shoeboxes, purses, backpacks, and other similar items to make sure there is no merchandise being hidden in these items.
Damaging an item so it will look like it is already owned: In Arlington, TX a theft lawyer has seen this type of shoplifting occur in a variety of forms. A person takes an item and create marks so the item will look like it’s a used item. Another form of this type of shoplifting is when the person puts the item on as if they already own it, such as a piece of clothing or item of jewelry, and just walks out of the store without paying for it. The same thing can be done with food in a grocery store, with the individual opening and eating food without paying for it.
Under ringing: This form of shoplifting involves assistance from the cashier, who is an employee of the store. The cashier will ring the item at a lower price than what is on the price tag. Theft lawyers in our Arlington, TX office has seen some instances of this taking place when the cashier is unaware of what is taking place. This is done by the person “purchasing” the item. The shoplifter will switch the barcode stickers with a lower-priced item. Some shoplifters are so adept at this method that they actually print their own barcode stickers and bring them to the store.
We are a theft lawyer Arlington TX relies on when faced with a possible conviction. Theft is a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $100.00. It is a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property is between $100.00 and $750.00. You can also be charged with a Class B misdemeanor if you have previously been convicted of any grade of theft. or if the property stolen is a driver’s license or personal identification issued by the state. Theft is a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property is more than $750.00, but less than $2,500.00.
Our criminal attorney is a theft lawyer Arlington TX can count on when you’re facing a possible felony conviction. It is a state jail felony if the value of the property is more than $2,500.00, but less than $30,000.00. You can also be charged with a state jail felony if the property stolen is a firearm, or if you have been convicted of two or more thefts. Theft is a third degree felony if the value of the property stolen is more than $30,000.00, but less than $150,000.00. It is a second-degree felony if the value of the property is more than $150,000.00, but less than $300,000.00. It is a first-degree felony if the value of the property is more than $300,000.00.
As a theft lawyer Arlington TX respects might attest, a conviction for theft is very serious. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you and to ensure that your rights are protected. The Arlington criminal defense lawyers of the Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC will ensure that your rights are protected during this time by fighting for you. We will use our years of experience and knowledge to make sure that the police followed all legal procedures when preparing and filing the charges against you. We will investigate fully aspects of the allegations made against you.
Have You Been Charged?
If you have been accused of shoplifting, contact Brandy Austin Law Firm today to meet with one of our skilled defense attorneys to begin building your defense against these charges. If you are being charged with felony shoplifting and are convicted, the felony conviction can wreak havoc on your future, including finding work, housing, and more. Don’t delay. Call the theft lawyer Arlington, TX trusts today.
If after working together with the top theft lawyer Arlington TX has to offer and examining the evidence, you determine that it is in your best interest to have a jury hear your case, we will defend you aggressively and make sure that the jury hears your side of the story. If we determine, together, that it is in your best interest to accept a plea offer from the district attorney, we will work hard to ensure that you receive the best deal possible. Victory in a criminal defense case can mean many different things, and the Arlington criminal defense attorneys of the Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC are committed to pursuing the best course of action for your situation. If you find yourself being charged with theft, please call the trusted theft lawyer Arlington TX respects at the Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC at 817-841-9906.
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