Houston Theft Lawyer | Harris County Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Harris County Theft Crime Attorneys

Houston Theft Crime Lawyers James Sullivan and Associates represents clients on misdemeanor and felony theft offenses in Houston and the surrounding counties.  Theft of any amount is a very serious crime.  It is a crime of moral turpitude (dishonesty) and a conviction for theft can adversely affect you for the rest of your life.  You really cannot afford a conviction for theft on your record.  Each year, hundreds of people contact Attorney James Sullivan in order to get their theft convictions expunged from their record because they cannot get a job but unfortunately a theft conviction cannot be expunged or sealed (non-disclosed).  Young adults especially may not know about or consider the far-reaching effects of having a theft conviction on their record.  Attorney James Sullivan can discuss with you the possible options in order to later get your theft case record sealed or expunged.

What is Theft?

A person commits theft if he unlawfully takes another person’s property without their consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property [Texas Penal Code Sec. 31.03].  Obviously, if he did not intend to take the other person’s property, then it is not theft.  For example, in an alleged shoplifting case, if you place a case of beer on the rack under your shopping cart, forget about it and then walk out of the grocery store without paying for it, you should not be held responsible.  Or, if your child puts an item in your shopping bag without your knowledge and you leave the store without paying for it, you should not be convicted of theft.

What Could Happen if I Get Caught Stealing?

If you have been charged with shoplifting or any other theft related crime, you need a Houston theft crime attorney to represent you.  You may face serious consequences if you have been arrested for theft in the Greater Houston area.  Your penalties will vary depending on the value of what you allegedly stole and other factors.  Theft crimes include shoplifting, hot checks, fraud, embezzlement and identity theft.  Theft crime can range from class C misdemeanor to a first degree felony.  Burglary of a motor vehicle is a class A misdemeanor.  Auto theft is usually charged as a felony offense unless the value of the motor vehicle stolen is less than $1,500.  Other felony theft related crimes include credit card abuse (state jail felony), burglary of a building (state jail felony) and burglary of a habitation (2nd degree felony).

Houston Criminal Trial Lawyers

Houston theft crime lawyer James Sullivan will discuss with you the seriousness of your charge and the various effective defense strategies that are best suited for your particular case.  Before you make your plea in court, it is important that you consult a theft crimes defense lawyer in Houston, Texas. A Houston criminal trial lawyer may be able to win your case at trial or persuade the prosecutor to dismiss the charges.   Other possible outcomes include deferred adjudication or pretrial intervention.

Contact Houston Criminal Trial Lawyers James Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free confidential consultation and case evaluation.