Hidalgo County Shoplifting Attorney

Experienced Defense For Shoplifting Charges in Texas

The Law Office of Rene A. Flores is dedicated to providing expert legal representation for individuals facing shoplifting charges in Hidalgo County, Texas. With our extensive experience in criminal defense, we strive to protect the rights and interests of our clients while navigating the complexities of shoplifting cases.

Call The Law Office of Rene A. Flores today at (956) 606-3606 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our shoplifting attorney in Hidalgo County!

What is Shoplifting?

The crime of shoplifting involves taking either a reasonable or service from a store or retail establishment without consent or paying the proper price. This crime has been found to cost business owners billions of combined dollars every year, and thus, it is taken very seriously and heavily prosecuted.

You could be charged with shoplifting for:

• Taking an item from a store without paying for it
• Changing the price of an item to a lower price
• Consuming a service without paying for it
• Writing a knowingly false check to pay for an item

When facing criminal charges of shoplifting, you should not hesitate to call a Hidalgo County criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Flores understands the gravity of shoplifting charges and works hard to prevent his clients from falling victim to the harsh consequences levied by the criminal justice system. Mr. Flores has roots in the local community, having grown up in Hidalgo County and has served previously in the legal system in our courts. As a Municipal Judge in Palmview, he developed a deep understanding and interpretation of the law, which he now can put to work defending you from your charges.

Shoplifting Penalties and Consequences in Texas

Shoplifting is considered a "wobbler" theft crime, meaning you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. Generally, your charges could become a felony when the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,500.

Penalties for shoplifting include:

• Jail time
• Large fines
• Victim restitution (via civil court cases)
• Permanent criminal record

As with other theft crimes in Texas, your penalties will depend on the value of the property or services you steal and the presence or absence of any aggravating factors. For example, if the item you steal is a firearm, your victim is an emergency service, or you have a previous theft crime conviction, your penalties could be increased.

Strategies for Defending Against Shoplifting Accusations

Various defenses may be employed to challenge the accusations when facing shoplifting charges. Our Hidalgo County domestic violence attorney can explore the following defenses tailored to the specific circumstances of each case:

• Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the accused did not intend to deprive the property owner permanently.
• Mistaken Identity: Proving that the accused was misidentified or wrongly accused.
• Coerced Confession: Challenging the validity of any confession obtained through coercion or duress.
• Insufficient Evidence: Examining the prosecution's evidence and identifying weaknesses or inconsistencies in their case.
• Constitutional Violations: Investigating whether law enforcement violated the accused's constitutional rights during the arrest or search.
• Civil Liability Issues: Assessing if the store's security measures or personnel engaged in practices that could contribute to a false accusation.

Contact Our Hidalgo County Shoplifting Lawyer Today

Facing shoplifting charges in Hidalgo County, Texas, requires strategic legal representation to navigate the complexities of the legal system. The Law Office of Rene A. Flores is committed to providing aggressive and effective defense for individuals accused of shoplifting. Our experienced legal team will tirelessly protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome for your case. 

Contact The Law Office of Rene A. Flores today to schedule a meeting with our shoplifting lawyer in Hidalgo County!