If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Houston for the first time, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Whether you received a citation or were arrested, the first thing to understand is this: there is no separate offense called “shoplifting” under Texas law. Instead, these cases are prosecuted under the general Texas theft statute, which…
Category: Theft Crimes
Can You Go to Jail for Employee Theft in Texas?
Employee theft is one of the most common forms of theft prosecuted in Texas—and yes, you absolutely can go to jail for it. Under Texas law, stealing from your employer is typically charged as theft under Penal Code §31.03, and the potential penalties range from a simple fine to years in state prison, depending on…
What Happens If I’m Caught Stealing but Not Arrested in Houston?
If you’re caught shoplifting or accused of theft in Houston but not arrested on the spot, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. In fact, it may only be the beginning of the legal process. Whether you received a citation or were simply warned that charges would be filed later, it’s important to understand what…
What Are the Consequences of a Theft Conviction in 2025?
Being charged with theft in Texas can have serious and far-reaching consequences. A conviction doesn’t just carry the risk of jail time and fines—it can also affect your employment, housing, education, and even your basic civil rights. Understanding what’s at stake is critical for anyone facing theft charges, especially in 2025 when digital background checks…
What Power Do Store Security Have if They Suspect You of Shoplifting in Texas?
Shoplifting – which is treated as theft under Texas law – is one of the most commonly charged offenses in the Houston area and throughout Texas. In a typical shoplifting case, store security or loss prevention officers will detain a person they suspect of shoplifting until police arrive. But are store employees or security guards…
How Long Does a Shoplifting Arrest Stay On Your Record?
In the Houston area, there are hundreds of shoplifting arrests and citations every month. The majority of shoplifting incidents are filed as misdemeanors, but the consequences of a shoplifting arrest can still be severe. As can be imagined, shoplifting is one of the most damaging offenses to a person’s reputation and job prospects, even if…
What If I Stole An Item But Returned the Stolen Property?
In Texas, a shoplifting charge can be very serious. In addition to potential criminal penalties, such as jail time or a fine, a person charged with shoplifting could face a permanent criminal conviction. But how is “shoplifting” defined in Texas? What happens if you return the items that were stolen to the store? How is…
What happens if you get caught shoplifting at Walmart?
Being accused of theft or shoplifting can be extremely stressful. Big retailers like Walmart lose millions of dollars to theft every year, and as a result, Walmart spends enormous sums of money on surveillance of its stores, and its loss prevention officers are trained to detect suspicious behavior or shoplifting, including customers concealing merchandise or…
I was caught shoplifting and now the store wants money. Do I need to pay?
Shoplifting is one of the most common offenses in Texas and the Houston area. If you are arrested for shoplifting, you can expect to get cited or arrested and face a criminal charge for theft. But one additional consequence of a shoplifting arrest is that the retailer that you allegedly shoplifted from may send you…
What happens if you get caught shoplifting at Home Depot in Houston?
Home Depot is one of the Houston area’s largest retailers and they are known to take the prevention and enforcement of shoplifting offenses seriously. Due to the high value of many items that are sold at the Home Depot, the retailer is a target for organized theft. Earlier this year, for example, two men were…
