Shoplifting / Theft

Harris County Theft Defense Attorneys

Houston Theft Crime Lawyers James Sullivan and Associates represent clients in criminal and juvenile courts 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 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. Sullivan can discuss with you the possible options in order to later get your theft case record sealed or expunged.

What is Theft?

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 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 criminal lawyer James (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.

Houston Criminal Lawyer Fighting for Your Rights, Freedom and Future 

James Sullivan is an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney.  For over 29 years, James Sullivan has successfully fought the government in Jury Trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts.  

James Sullivan graduated from the Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.

Contact James Sullivan at 281-546-6428 for a free confidential consultation.