Shoplifting Attorney In Houston

Facing Shoplifting Charges in Houston? Start With Trusted Legal Help

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Houston, your situation is likely stressful and urgent. Concerns about your reputation, employment, and future may be overwhelming. The risk of criminal penalties or a permanent record adds to the anxiety. While these fears are understandable, taking the right steps now can give you the best chance to move forward, and we are here to help.

At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, you are not alone. Our team is led by a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with extensive experience defending clients in Houston courts. We know how stores, law enforcement, and prosecutors in Harris County and the City of Houston handle theft accusations. Our approach combines legal expertise with genuine support at every stage. If you need a shoplifting attorney Houston residents trust for personal attention, local insight, and proven results, you are in the right place. We are ready to guide you through each step so you regain control and clarity during this challenging time.

Call The Law Offices of Jed Silverman today at (713) 597-2221 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our shoplifting attorney in Houston!

What Sets Our Houston Shoplifting Defense Apart

Not all criminal defense firms offer the same level of support and strategic defense for shoplifting cases in Houston. Choosing the right team can make a meaningful difference in your outcome. At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we see every client as an individual with unique circumstances, not just a case number.

Working with Attorney Jed Silverman—a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist—means your defense benefits from the highest level of expertise in Texas criminal law. With a strong reputation among Harris County prosecutors and judges, we can address issues efficiently and proactively. Our team’s understanding of Houston’s criminal courts and procedures ensures you benefit from a practical, real-world approach to defense.

We have handled a wide range of shoplifting cases, from first-time allegations to more complex situations. Our record includes dismissals, charge reductions, and alternative resolutions tailored to individual situations. When your record and future are on the line, it is essential to have a shoplifting attorney Houston trusts to put your needs first.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges & Texas Law

Shoplifting is prosecuted as theft under Texas Penal Code Section 31.01, but how the case unfolds depends on specifics like the property’s value and prior history. Houston police and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office pursue retail theft cases seriously, and even seemingly minor offenses can have long-term consequences.

Texas Shoplifting Laws & Penalties

Penalties for shoplifting typically depend on the value of items allegedly taken:

Here is how Texas generally classifies shoplifting charges:

• Under $100: Class C misdemeanor
• $100–$749: Class B misdemeanor
• $750–$2,499: Class A misdemeanor
• $2,500 or more: Felony charges

Other factors, like previous convictions or alleged organized activity, can increase severity. Even a first misdemeanor conviction may appear on a criminal record and influence future job or housing opportunities.

Local Procedures in Harris County Courts

Shoplifting cases in Houston often begin with law enforcement officers filing charges in the Harris County Criminal Court at Law or, for many lower-value cases, the City of Houston Municipal Courts. Procedures may vary, but each court has its own policies for diversion, probation, and case management. Our team’s familiarity with these unique local processes helps us seek the best outcome for each client, whether diversion, reduction, or contested defense is possible.

How We Build a Strong Defense for Shoplifting Cases

When you work with The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, you get a personalized and thorough defense tailored to your specific circumstances. Our process starts with understanding your version of events, then moves into gathering evidence and challenging weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Our Approach to Shoplifting Criminal Defense in Houston

We take the following steps for every shoplifting criminal defense Houston case:

• Analyze evidence: Review all police reports, surveillance footage, and store records to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses.
• Investigate intent and circumstances: Many shoplifting cases hinge on intent. We determine whether your actions were misinterpreted or if other explanations exist.
• Evaluate options: Explore eligibility for pretrial diversion, deferred adjudication, or dismissal depending on case specifics and local policies.
• Advocate for you: Negotiate with Harris County prosecutors and appear in Houston or Harris County courts to present your defense or pursue alternative resolutions.
• Keep you informed: Maintain clear, honest communication so you know what to expect throughout the case.

Our shoplifting criminal attorney in Houston provides support beyond the courtroom. We help clients understand each legal step, address practical concerns, and make informed decisions from the first meeting to case resolution.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Shoplifting

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Houston, what you do next can influence the direction of your case. Acting quickly and carefully is critical to protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Key actions to protect yourself if accused of shoplifting:

• Remain calm and avoid confrontations. Do not argue with store personnel or law enforcement, even if you believe you were wrongfully accused.
• Do not make statements: Refrain from admitting guilt or discussing details with anyone until you have spoken with a shoplifting lawyer Houston trusts.
• Secure any relevant documents: If possible, gather receipts, witness information, or any exchange you had with store staff.
• Contact our team as soon as possible: Early involvement of a knowledgeable shoplifting criminal lawyer Houston can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and build the strongest possible case.

Our intake process is confidential and supportive. When you reach out, you will speak directly with our team, discuss your options, and begin finding a way forward. Every detail you provide can help us craft the right strategy for your unique circumstances.

Contact us quickly so we can begin protecting your rights, and follow our step-by-step advice for your situation—provided during our first conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first-time shoplifting offense?

First-time shoplifting charges in Houston can result in jail, but many defendants avoid incarceration—especially when represented by an experienced attorney who knows how local courts handle these cases. Courts like Harris County Criminal Court at Law and the City of Houston Municipal Courts often consider diversion or probation for those with no prior record and for lower-value items. Having a shoplifting criminal attorney Houston on your side gives you an advocate working to keep you out of jail by pursuing these options and defending your interests at every step.

Will a shoplifting conviction stay on my record in Texas?

If convicted, shoplifting may remain on your record and can affect future employment, licensing, or housing. Texas allows certain non-conviction outcomes or cases resolved through diversion to be sealed or expunged. Our team helps eligible clients pursue expungement or record sealing following favorable outcomes, but the options depend on results and the court’s ruling in Houston. We explain your eligibility and next steps during your defense.

Can you help if I’m falsely accused of shoplifting?

Yes, we regularly defend individuals who were wrongly accused of shoplifting—including people misidentified or caught up in misunderstandings. Our approach involves a detailed review of all available evidence, speaking with witnesses, and pointing out gaps or errors in the prosecution’s case. We believe every client deserves a defense based on facts, and we work to demonstrate the truth in Houston criminal courts.

What steps should I take immediately after being charged?

You should not make any statements to police or store representatives about the accusations without legal guidance. Avoid signing documents related to confessions or waivers until you consult a shoplifting lawyer Houston relies on. 

What sets your Houston team apart from other lawyers?

We combine local experience, Board Certification, and a commitment to personal, attentive service. Attorney Jed Silverman’s Board Certification in Criminal Law means your defense is handled at the highest standard in the state. Our relationships with Harris County prosecutors and judges help us anticipate procedures and present your case effectively. Every shoplifting criminal defense Houston strategy is developed around your individual goals and the unique facts of your case.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

We keep communication open and responsive at every stage. Our attorneys provide regular updates, answer your questions quickly, and explain new developments promptly. You will never have to wonder what comes next or be left out of important decisions. Our team ensures you always feel supported and up to date during every step of your shoplifting defense in Houston.

Start Your Defense Today With Houston’s Trusted Shoplifting Team

Taking action today can make all the difference in how your shoplifting case unfolds. Contacting our office gives you the benefit of confidential guidance, personalized strategy, and an immediate plan built around your priorities. You will get answers to your questions and a clear understanding of what to expect.

With Attorney Jed Silverman’s Board Certification, decades of local experience, and our team’s commitment to your results, you can approach your defense with confidence. Every client’s story matters, and we strive to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your future.

Call The Law Offices of Jed Silverman at (713) 597-2221 for a confidential consultation and the guidance you need when facing shoplifting charges in Houston.