Shoplifting Charges Increase Over the Holidays

 Posted on December 23, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In 2022, retailers lost $112.1 billion in stolen merchandise. With the holiday season quickly approaching, retail theft is only projected to increase.

What people do not realize is that shoplifting carries severe consequences. Our Frisco shoplifting defense attorneys would like to discuss the different degrees of shoplifting and potential punishments.

Why Does Shoplifting Increase During the Holidays?

Although shoplifting is a concern year-round, shoplifting does spike during the holidays. A few reasons include:

Higher Demand

People may not have the financial means to buy gifts that loved ones have requested. With the pressure to buy the “perfect” gift, many people make the unfortunate decision to shoplift.

Preoccupied Sales Associates

Sales associates are usually busy helping customers during the holidays, so it is much easier to steal merchandise. In fact, more than $1.8 million is stolen in the four weeks leading up to Christmas each year.

Overcrowded Stores

In 2022, more than 122 million people shopped in-store on Black Friday. With such high foot traffic, it is easy to sneak an item out of a store.

Shoplifting Crime Classifications in Texas

If you are caught shoplifting in Texas, this is considered a type of theft. Under Texas Penal Code § 31.01, the punishment for shoplifting will depend on the amount of merchandise stolen.

The following summarizes crime severity based on the cost of goods stolen:

• Class C misdemeanor: Cost of property is less than $100
• Class B misdemeanor: Cost of property is $100 or more, but less than $750
• Class A misdemeanor: Cost of property is $750 or more, but less than $2,500
• State jail felony: Cost of property is $2,500 or more, but less than $30,000
• Third-degree felony: Cost of property is $30,000 or more, but less than $150,000
• Second-degree felony: Cost of property is $150,000 or more, but less than $300,000
• First-degree felony: Cost of property is $300,000 or more

Penalties for Shoplifting

Texas imposes severe penalties for shoplifters. If you steal merchandise without paying for it, you may be facing the following consequences:

• Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500, no jail time
• Class B misdemeanor: Fines up to $2,000 and up to 180 days of imprisonment
• Class A misdemeanor: Fines up to $4,000 and up to one year of imprisonment
• State jail felony: Fines up to $10,000 and a mandatory jail sentence of 180 days up to two years
• Third-degree felony: Fines up to $10,000 and a mandatory jail sentence of two years up to ten years
• Second-degree felony: Fines up to $10,000 and a mandatory jail sentence of two years up to 20 years
• First-degree felony: Fines up to $10,000 and a mandatory jail sentence of five years up to life imprisonment

A Collin County shoplifting defense attorney may be able to get your charges reduced. This can spare you from serving significant time in prison and paying hefty fines.

Charged with Shoplifting? Contact a Frisco, TX, Shoplifting Defense Attorney Today

If you have been accused of shoplifting, our Collin County, TX, shoplifting defense attorneys will help defend any allegations against you. Our legal team has obtained over 450 not-guilty verdicts and is ready to work for you. Contact Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. today online or by calling 469-333-3333 to schedule your free consultation.