Shoplifting is often thought of as a person taking merchandise and leaving the store with it. However, shoplifting refers to various situations involving the taking of property without an owner’s consent. Shoplifting without leaving the store is possible in Texas and depends on the nature of the incident. Defining ‘Shoplifting’ in Texas Shoplifting is a […]
Should I Pay A Civil Demand Letter For Shoplifting In Texas?
Being arrested and convicted for shoplifting in Houston or Harris County could have a major impact on your life. You could be ordered to serve jail time and/or pay hefty fines. A conviction will remain permanently on your public record, making it hard for you to get a job, attend the school you want to, […]
What Role Does Fingerprint Evidence Play in Theft Cases?
Physical evidence items in a theft case are the real, physical objects that are collected and introduced as evidence if the case goes to court. Any item that might be important to the case can be collected and documented as physical evidence. From personal clothing to the objects taken, physical evidence is an important piece […]
What to Do If You Get Arrested For Shoplifting in Houston during the Holiday Season
Product loss due to theft costs Houston business owners millions each holiday season. To reduce their risks, they hire extra security staff and install additional surveillance technology. Because of that, the odds of being accused and arrested for shoplifting in Houston increase greatly during the holidays. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, being arrested and charged […]
Is Retail/Return Fraud a Crime in Houston?
Returning an item under the false pretense that it was lawfully purchased in an attempt to receive cash or store credit is a crime known as retail/return fraud. In Texas, this is considered to be a form of theft. Common types of retail/return fraud include: “Return” of stolen merchandise for cash or store credit Employees […]
Shoplifting Prevention Technology Mistakes
Shoplifting causes shrink for companies that is difficult to contend with financially. According to the National Retail Security Survey, U.S. retailers lost an estimated $46.8 billion to theft in 2017 alone. Businesses are increasingly using theft prevention technology to boost profits. Some of these new shoplifting prevention technologies use computers, software and machines to detect […]
What Can Store Security Guards Do If They Suspect Shoplifting?
Stores selling consumer goods take shoplifting seriously. Each time an item “walks” out of the door without payment, the store loses money and gains a reputation for criminal activity. A variety of high-tech theft prevention devices, like cameras and RFID detectors, have reduced the regularity of shoplifting. These advances have helped, but many stores still […]
The Risks of Accepting Stolen Property
Theft is a criminal act that conjures images of a person intentionally stealing someone’s property and fleeing the crime scene, slipping away before police can arrive. Many fail to realize that accepting stolen property is also a serious offense that actually carries the same penalties as ordinary theft. There are many defenses that can be […]
Getting a Theft Case Dismissed in Houston
Making a mistake and being hit with a theft charge like burglary or workplace theft can be an embarrassing lapse in judgment. However, a theft charge does not automatically mean a court trial or plea deal. Getting a theft case dismissed in Houston can occur for a few reasons, including: Lack of Probable Cause Illegal […]
How Can I Clear My Record Of A Shoplifting Charge in Houston?
Shoplifting is defined as deliberately taking items from a store with the intention of not paying for the item. This includes taking an article of clothing and leaving the store, or switching price tags with a lower priced item. Paying for the lower priced item at checkout is still considered shoplifting. Punishment generally depends on […]
