Theft/Shoplifting

A person commits theft if he/she unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. When a person commits theft, he/she may be charged with misdemeanor or felony theft. The type of charge will depend upon the value (dollar amount) of the property that was stolen and if a weapon was used during the commission of the crime.

Misdemeanor theft is when a person illegally takes another person's property without the person's consent and the value of the property is less than $1,500.00. The most commonly committed misdemeanor theft crime is shoplifting. Felony theft is when a person illegally takes another person's property without the person's consent and the value of the property is more than $1,500.00.

Types of Theft Crimes

The following is a list of commonly committed theft crimes in Texas:

• shoplifting • theft by check • burglary • theft of firearm • identity theft • credit card theft • fraud • embezzlement • forgery • motor vehicle theft • robbery

Any person who is convicted of a theft crime may be sentenced with jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, and restitution. Additionally, the person's theft crime conviction will show up on his/her criminal record, which is accessible to the public. When a person has a theft crime conviction on his/her criminal record, it can be very difficult for him/her to obtain employment, housing, and education opportunities.

Effects of a Theft Conviction

A conviction for theft can have a significant impact on your life. It will be on your criminal record as a theft arrest and conviction and may cause you to loose professional, educational, and even housing opportunities. If you currently have a professional license that license may also be in jeopardy if the licensing agency becomes aware of the theft. Furthermore, a theft conviction is considered a crime of moral turpitude. That means that if you are convicted of theft you cannot sit as a juror, a fundamental right of American citizens.