Experienced Defense Attorney in Shoplifting Charges
A shoplifting charge can come from a quick decision, a misunderstanding at checkout, or an accusation that store employees interpreted as intentional theft. Whatever led to the arrest or citation, the consequences can extend beyond paying for the merchandise. A theft conviction on a background check can create particular problems for jobs involving money, inventory, or positions of trust.
At Odefey, Witte, Wall, & Villafranca, LLP, attorney Jordan G. Fries represents individuals facing shoplifting and other theft charges throughout Victoria, Port Lavaca, and surrounding South Texas communities. He focuses on what the store’s evidence actually shows about the incident, not simply on what loss prevention personnel concluded.
Texas generally prosecutes shoplifting under its theft laws, and these cases can involve more than simply walking out of a store without paying.
Common allegations include:
Intent can be especially important. Surveillance footage may show what someone did, but it does not necessarily explain why it happened. Jordan looks at the entire sequence from entering the store through checkout and departure to determine whether the evidence supports an intentional theft or another explanation.
The value of the merchandise and a person’s criminal history can affect how a shoplifting offense is charged.
A conviction may result in:
For many clients, the criminal record is as concerning as the immediate sentence. A theft conviction can raise questions about honesty and trustworthiness years after the incident.
Shoplifting cases frequently involve evidence created by the retailer itself. Jordan examines surveillance video, receipts, self-checkout records, loss prevention reports, witness statements, and body camera footage to see whether those sources tell the same story.
Small details can matter. Where was an item placed? Was anything else purchased? Did a self-checkout machine register an attempted scan? What happened when store personnel approached? Jordan’s experience as a former prosecutor helps him identify which details are likely to influence how the State evaluates the allegation.
A shoplifting accusation should be evaluated based on what can actually be established about the person’s actions and intent.
Jordan Fries provides straightforward advice about the evidence, the realistic risks, and the options for moving forward.
