{"id":376676,"date":"2017-12-15T18:57:41","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T23:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-shoplifting-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-01-17T16:57:11","modified_gmt":"2018-01-17T21:57:11","slug":"texas-shoplifting-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-shoplifting-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Shoplifting Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Texas Shoplifting Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Getting caught shoplifting is not only an embarrassing experience, it can have significant consequences. The laws of many states issue hefty fines and even jail time for certain shoplifting offenses, and Texas law is no exception. Read on to learn more about Texas shoplifting laws.<\/p>\n

Texas Shoplifting Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\n

In Texas, shoplifting offenses fall under the general definition of "theft" in the Texas Penal Code. In addition, shielding or deactivating instruments used for shoplifting are also expressly prohibited under state law. The nature of a shoplifting charge and the associated penalty will depend on a couple of factors, including the value of the property stolen, and whether you have previously been convicted of any type of theft.<\/p>\n

The following chart provides more information about Texas shoplifting laws.<\/p>\n\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Definition<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    \n
  • The definition of "theft" under the Texas Penal Code includes a variety of offenses, including shoplifting.<\/li>\n
  • "Theft" is defined as the unlawful appropriation of property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.<\/li>\n
  • It’s also a crime to possess, manufacture, or distribute shielding or deactivating instruments used for shoplifting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Nature of the Charge<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    \n
  • Shoplifting property valued at less than 100 is a Class C misdemeanor.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at $100 or more but less than $750 is a Class B misdemeanor.<\/li>\n
  • If you have been previously convicted of any grade of theft, shoplifting will be a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $100.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor.<\/li>\n
  • Possession, manufacture, or distribution of a shielding or deactivating instrument is a Class A misdemeanor.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 is a state jail felony.<\/li>\n
  • You will also be charged with a state jail felony if you have two or more prior convictions for theft, and the value of the property stolen is less than $2,500.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 is a felony in the third degree.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at $150,000 or more but less than $300,000 is a felony in the second degree.<\/li>\n
  • Shoplifting property valued at more than $300,000 is a felony in the first degree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n