Houston Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer
Theft charges in Texas — from shoplifting to felony theft — can result in jail time and a permanent record. Sara Roque fights to minimize or eliminate the consequences.
Shoplifting / retail theft
Texas’s 2019 retail theft law added civil penalties on top of criminal charges. Sara defends both the criminal case and civil demand letters.
Credit card fraud
Unauthorized use of a financial instrument — even a one-time use — can be charged as felony theft. Sara challenges intent and authorization.
Burglary
Entering a structure without permission with intent to commit theft or assault. Sara challenges the intent element and the circumstances of entry.
Identity theft
Using another person’s information fraudulently — increasingly prosecuted aggressively at state and federal levels.
Auto theft
Unauthorized use of a vehicle — from joyriding to chop shop operations. Sara differentiates between criminal theft and civil disputes.
Embezzlement
Theft from an employer — often charged as multiple counts based on individual transactions. Sara manages complex financial crime cases.
TEXAS THEFT PENALTIES
What’s at Stake With Theft Charges in Texas
Texas theft charges are defined by the value of what was allegedly stolen. Even small amounts can result in misdemeanor records that affect employment for decades.
Under $100
Class C misdemeanor — fine only, no jail. BUT still a criminal record. Sara pursues diversion to keep it off your record entirely.
$100-$750
Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days jail. Most shoplifting charges fall here. Sara explores deferred adjudication and diversion.
$2,500-$30,000
State jail felony — 6 months to 2 years state jail. Sara challenges valuation and fights for felony reduction to misdemeanor.
No attorney fees until we win. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t sign anything the store presents. Loss prevention officers make mistakes — misidentification, security camera errors, and false accusations happen. Call Sara before signing any civil demand letter.
Yes. Deferred prosecution, pretrial diversion, and first-time offender programs can result in dismissal. Insufficient evidence or legal defenses can also result in dismissal. Sara evaluates all options.
Yes — theft convictions (even misdemeanors) appear on criminal background checks and can cost you jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Avoiding a conviction is the priority.
A “claim of right” defense — belief that you had a legal right to take the property — is a valid defense in Texas. Sara investigates ownership and consent issues thoroughly.
In Texas, employment is “at will” — employers can fire for any reason. However, fighting the charge and achieving dismissal is still critical for future employment opportunities.
Many retailers send civil demand letters after shoplifting incidents demanding payment. These are separate from criminal charges. Sara advises on whether and how to respond.
If charges are dismissed, expunction is available. If you complete deferred adjudication, non-disclosure may be available. Sara plans your case from day one with record clearing in mind.
Context and mitigating circumstances matter at sentencing and in negotiation. Sara presents your complete situation — medical issues, financial hardship, and other factors — to achieve the most compassionate outcome.
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