Porch pirates beware. You could find yourself being arrested on aggregate theft charges. Depending on the value of the packages you swiped, you could find yourself facing felony rather than just misdemeanor charges. What is aggregate theft in Texas? According to Section 31.09 of the Texas penal code, aggregate theft occurs when an individual commits […]
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 To Expect From A Theft Case
From the report of a crime to the final appeal, find out what you can expect from the process of a theft case. Reporting of the Theft Theft is often reported by the victim, or what is commonly called the “complaining witness” or “complainant.” The complaining witness can be an individual or a business, depending on the […]
Can Social Media Posts Be Used Against You In A Shoplifting Case?
In the age of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, a common question that criminal defense attorneys hear is, “Can social media posts be used against you in a shoplifting case?” The short answer is yes. Be careful what you post on a social media site, particularly if you’ve been charged with a criminal offense. Nearly everything […]
How Do Prior Convictions Affect Houston Theft Cases?
If you have been charged with theft in Houston, few things can have a bigger impact on the severity of your sentence than having a prior conviction on your record. How do prior convictions affect Houston theft cases? Having a felony or misdemeanor conviction in Texas can make it difficult to secure a loan, get […]
Grand Theft Auto Charges in Houston
Grand theft auto charges in Houston carry serious penalties if convicted. If you’ve been charged with this offense, it’s important to understand what the law says, what the possible consequences are, and what you can do about it. Grand Theft Auto Laws There is not a specific law addressing grand theft auto in Texas, so […]
Grading Theft Offenses in Texas
In Texas, the crime of theft is committed when a person takes anything that does not belong to them without consent or legal justification, while having no intentions at the time of the offense to return the property to its owner. However, the severity of the theft charge depends on the theft committed. Grading theft […]
