What are the legal consequences for shoplifting a $34 item in TX?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What are the legal consequences for shoplifting a $34 item in TX?
I’m 19 and I was recently caught shoplifting at a JCPenney in Texas. The item was valued around $34 and I received a ticket. What will happen when I go to court? Will JCPenney be contacting me for civil damages?
Asked on May 28, 2009 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Assuming this is a first offense, under Texas law theft of an item less than $50.00 is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.
In the Texas Penal Code I also found in § 12.03. (c), "Conviction of a Class C misdemeanor does not impose any legal disability or disadvantage". I'm not exactly certain as to the implications of this for you. Speak to an attorney in your area about this and ask how it may affect a process known as "expungement"; essentially a legal procedure that allows you to clear your criminal record.
As to what Penny's will do from a civil standpoint is up to them.
Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.