Houston Shoplifting Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan
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 negatively 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 Jim 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 people
especially may not know about or consider the far-reaching effects of
having a theft conviction on their record. Attorney Jim Sullivan can
discuss with you the possible options in order to later get your
criminal case sealed or expunged.
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.
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
Houston or the surrounding 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 (such as a
traffic violation level offense) to 1st 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 theft crime lawyer Jim 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.
You can call Houston theft crime lawyers Jim Sullivan and Associates right now at 281-546-6428 for a FREE initial consultation and case evaluation.