Houston Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Accused of shoplifting in Houston?

Shoplifting is considered a theft crime, and, typically the level of offense depends on the value of the merchandise alleged to have been stolen. However, "Organized Retail Theft," may be treated more harshly.

Defending Shoplifting Charges in Houston, TX

While loss due to theft is a problem for all retailers, many innocent people are accused of shoplifting due to misidentification, a misunderstanding, or forgetfulness. Sometimes people attempting to exchange merchandise carry the merchandise to be exchanged with them while selecting the replacement. Some people are so consumed with a cell phone conversation, stress, or an unruly child, they forget to pay. Others may be shopping with someone who they don't realize is stealing and/or have merchandise unknowingly placed in their bags or on their person by the companion (think of a child who slips candy or a toy into a distracted mother's purse or one thief in a group of teenage friends).

Shoppers in or leaving a store may be requested to return to the store, a room within the store, accused of theft, and asked to sign a statement in order to make things "go easy on them." Store employees, including "loss prevention officers," are not bound by the same laws as police. They don't have to tell people about their rights. And they don't have to tell the truth. Often, they will say whatever they think it takes to get someone to confess, even to a crime they didn't commit!

People accused of shoplifting, who have done nothing wrong, sometimes give statements admitting things they didn't do, thinking that they will be let go. They won't. The police are called and they go to jail. And then the paper they just signed so they could go home is treated as a confession.

Most large retail establishments have sophisticated video surveillance systems. Unfortunately, while these are often used in identifying people suspected of shoplifting, they are not always turned over to law enforcement. Often, these same recordings may be the best evidence of the innocence of the accused because they don't verify what the store employees claim they saw. It may be important to view or obtain copies of these recordings before they are destroyed by the retail establishment, which often occurs on a routine basis in the normal course of business.

The most important step you can take to protect your future is to contact a Houston criminal defense attorney as soon as you can to aggressively protect your rights. With well over a decade of experience successfully assisting my clients, my firm has the established record of success you need when your future is at stake.

Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Houston

Theft is a crime of moral turpitude and a conviction for theft may prevent you from getting the job or professional license you want among other consequences. While facing shoplifting charges is a frightening experience, especially when you consider the worst consequences and how they can affect the rest of your life, it is important to remember that you do have rights and there is something you can do. Contacting the Law Office of Q. Tate Williams, PC, will ensure that you have an aggressive and skilled lawyer defending you and fighting for your best achievable result. My firm cares about you and your future. I am dedicated to providing you with caring personal service and will methodically evaluate, investigate, and defend your case.

Contact a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer from my firm when your future is at stake and you need a skilled and caring attorney to tenaciously defend you.