Theft Defense Attorney in Denton TX

Charged with theft or shoplifting in Denton? Theft is a crime of dishonesty that can follow you onto every background check – affecting jobs, housing, and licenses – long after the case is over. Every theft case – from shoplifting to felony charges – gets focused, personal attention from start to finish.

Your Record & Reputation

Theft is a crime of dishonesty that follows you – protecting your record comes first.

Every Charge Level

Shoplifting, theft of service, and felony theft cases.

Handled Personally

Camila works your case directly, start to finish.

Denton County Courthouse - theft defense attorney in Denton, Texas

Theft Defense in Denton County

Defending Every Kind of Theft Charge

Shoplifting & Retail Theft

The most common theft charge – graded by the value of the goods, and often starting with a store’s loss-prevention report or a citation.

Theft of Service, Checks & Cards

Theft of service, bad-check cases, and credit- or debit-card abuse are all charged as theft-related offenses under Texas law.

Felony & Repeat Theft

Higher-value theft, and cases enhanced by prior theft convictions, become felonies that carry prison time and demand a serious defense.

Protecting Your Record – Strategic Defense – Personal Attention

More About Theft Defense in Denton

A theft charge in Texas is graded by the value of what was taken – from a Class C ticket up to a first-degree felony — but even a low-level theft carries a hidden cost. Theft is a crime of dishonesty, sometimes called a crime of “moral turpitude,” and it can surface on background checks for years, damaging your ability to get a job, rent a home, or hold a professional license. People searching for a theft lawyer in Denton, a shoplifting attorney near Denton County, or help with a theft of property charge in Texas are often more worried about their future than the fine itself – and rightly so.

Whether you’re facing a first shoplifting arrest, a bad-check or credit-card case, a theft-of-service allegation, or a felony theft charge, the goal is the same: protect your record, your reputation, and your future – and, for eligible first-time offenders, explore diversion or theft-class options that can keep a conviction off your record. Francino Law defends theft cases throughout Denton County – including Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Corinth, and the surrounding communities — with an honest assessment of your options and a defense built around your specific case.

Denton County Courthouse - Criminal Defense Attorney

Texas Theft Penalties

What a Theft Conviction Can Carry in Texas

In Texas, the level of a theft charge is set by the value of the property or services taken. The ranges below are general; the exposure in a specific case depends on the value, your history, and the facts of the case.

Value Stolen Classification Possible Jail / Prison Max Fine*
Under $100 Class C Misdemeanor Fine only (no jail) Up to $500
$100 to $750 Class B Misdemeanor Up to 180 days Up to $2,000
$750 to $2,500 Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year Up to $4,000
$2,500 to $30,000 State Jail Felony 180 days – 2 years Up to $10,000
$30,000 to $150,000 Third-Degree Felony 2 – 10 years Up to $10,000
$150,000 or more Second- to first-degree felony 2 – 99 years or life Up to $10,000

*Fines are separate from court costs, restitution, and program fees. Prior theft convictions can raise the offense level – two or more prior theft convictions can turn an otherwise low-level theft into a state jail felony – and theft of certain property, such as firearms, carries its own classification regardless of value. Because theft is a crime of dishonesty, a conviction can also affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. This chart is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.

What To Expect

The Theft Case Process in Denton County

1

Arrest, Citation or Demand Letter

Theft cases can begin with an arrest, with a citation for lower-level shoplifting, or with a civil "demand letter" from a store — which is separate from any criminal charge and shouldn't be confused with it.

2

The Value & the Grading

The class of the offense turns on the value of what was taken. How the state calculated that value is reviewed carefully, because the grading drives the penalties — and value is often disputable.

3

Proving Intent

Theft requires proof that you intended to unlawfully deprive the owner. The surveillance, loss-prevention statements, receipts, and circumstances are examined for weaknesses in intent, identity, or valuation.

4

Court Appearances, Negotiation, & Resolution

Most cases involve several court settings. Each court setting is handled on your behalf — pursuing dismissals, reductions, restitution-based resolutions, and, for eligible first offenders, diversion or theft-class options that can keep a conviction off your record.

Common Theft Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft in Denton

Texas grades theft by the value of what was taken. It ranges from a Class C misdemeanor (fine only) for property under $100, up through misdemeanor levels, to a state jail felony at $2,500 and higher felony levels for larger amounts — reaching a first-degree felony for very high-value theft. Prior theft convictions can raise the level, so the exposure in your case depends on the value and your history.

It depends on the value of the merchandise. Shoplifting under $2,500 is generally a misdemeanor, while $2,500 or more is charged as a felony. But even a misdemeanor shoplifting charge can become a felony if you have prior theft convictions, which is one reason these cases are worth taking seriously from the start.

Theft is considered a crime of dishonesty, or “moral turpitude.” That means a conviction can show up on background checks and weigh heavily with employers, landlords, and licensing boards, and it can create immigration problems. The long-term effect on your record is often a bigger concern than the fine or jail exposure — which is why keeping a conviction off your record is a central goal.

Often there are options. Depending on the charge and your history, first-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion, deferred adjudication, or a theft-offender program that can keep a conviction off your record, and an expunction or non-disclosure may be possible later. Eligibility is specific to your case, which Camila reviews with you directly.

It depends on the facts. Disputes over the value of the property, weaknesses in the evidence of intent, identity issues, and problems with how the stop or investigation was handled can all affect the outcome – and restitution can sometimes open the door to a better resolution. Camila reviews every detail to pursue a dismissal, a reduction, or the best available result.

Simple Steps – Honest Guidance – A Real Defense

How To Get Started

Step 1

Call or Message for a Free Consultation

Reach out to discuss your theft charge, ask questions, and understand what you’re facing – at no cost and in confidence.

Step 2

Protect Your Rights

The value calculation, evidence, and circumstances of the case are reviewed to build the strongest defense

Step 3

Build Your Defense

Together you’ll move forward with a defense strategy aimed at the best possible outcome – including diversion options where you’re eligible.