Dallas Theft Lawyer

How Can a Dallas Theft Lawyer Help You Avoid a Conviction?

A Dallas theft lawyer can help you avoid a conviction by challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors for dismissals or reductions, and identifying diversion programs that keep theft off your record. Theft charges in Texas carry lasting consequences because they’re classified as “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning a conviction signals dishonesty and can permanently damage your job prospects, housing applications, and professional licenses.

The Dallas theft lawyers at Varghese Summersett have successfully defended thousands of theft cases across Dallas County, from minor shoplifting allegations to complex white-collar crimes. Our team includes Board Certified criminal defense attorneys with decades of combined experience in Dallas courts. We know how prosecutors build theft cases and how to challenge them effectively. Call 214-903-4000 for a free consultation.

What Is Theft Under Texas Law?

Theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Texas Penal Code § 31.03 defines theft as “unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner of the property.”

In plain terms, theft means taking something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal justification, with no intention of returning it. Texas law also treats receiving, possessing, or concealing stolen property the same as theft if you knew or should have known the property was stolen.

Benson Varghese, a Board Certified criminal law specialist, explains why avoiding a theft conviction matters so much in this short video:

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Dallas?

Texas uses a “theft value ladder” to determine charges and penalties. The value of the stolen property directly determines whether you face a misdemeanor or felony. Here are the current penalty ranges under Texas Penal Code § 31.03:

Value of Property	Offense Level	Potential Punishment
Under $100	Class C Misdemeanor	Up to $500 fine, no jail
$100 to $750	Class B Misdemeanor	Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine
$750 to $2,500	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine
$2,500 to $30,000	State Jail Felony	180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine
$30,000 to $150,000	Third Degree Felony	2 to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
$150,000 to $300,000	Second Degree Felony	2 to 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine
Over $300,000	First Degree Felony	5 to 99 years in prison, $10,000 fine

Your charges can increase one level if you have a prior theft conviction. Two or more prior convictions can elevate charges by two levels. The law also imposes enhanced penalties when the victim is elderly, a nonprofit organization, a public servant, or a government contractor.

What Are Typical Bond Amounts for Theft in Dallas County?

Bond amounts for theft charges in Dallas County vary significantly based on the value of the property and your criminal history. Based on 2025 Dallas County bond data, here are the typical bond amounts you can expect:

For Class B misdemeanor theft ($100 to $750), the most common bond amount is $500, with an average of approximately $1,315. For Class A misdemeanor theft ($750 to $2,500), bonds typically fall around $1,000, averaging $3,814.

State jail felony theft ($2,500 to $30,000) carries a typical bond of $10,000, though the average is higher at $18,499. Third degree felony theft ($30,000 to $150,000) commonly requires a $10,000 bond, with an average of $26,271.

If you have two or more prior theft convictions, bonds increase dramatically. The most common bond for enhanced theft charges is $5,000, but the average exceeds $17,000 due to the perceived flight risk and repeat offense pattern.

What Types of Theft Cases Do You Handle in Dallas?

Our Dallas theft lawyers handle every type of theft case under Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code. The most common theft charges we defend include:

Shoplifting and retail theft: Taking merchandise from stores, including cases involving loss prevention detentions and civil demand letters. Self-checkout theft, also known as skip scanning, has become increasingly common and aggressively prosecuted.

Credit card theft and fraud: Unauthorized use of another person’s credit or debit card information, charged under Texas Penal Code § 32.31.

Theft by check: Writing checks without sufficient funds or on closed accounts with intent to defraud.

Mail theft (porch piracy): Taking packages or mail from someone else’s property. Federal charges may also apply under 18 U.S.C. § 1708, making early legal intervention critical.

Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: Operating someone’s vehicle without effective consent, charged under Texas Penal Code § 31.07. Learn more about unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charges in Dallas.

Embezzlement and white-collar theft: Misappropriation of funds or property by someone in a position of trust, often involving complex financial investigations.

If you face any theft allegation in Dallas County, contact our team immediately to understand exactly what you’re charged with and the potential consequences. Protect your record by calling us today for a free consultation at 214-903-4000.

Why Is a Theft Conviction So Damaging to Your Future?

Theft carries consequences far beyond fines and jail time. Texas classifies theft as a crime of moral turpitude, a category that includes offenses involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit. This classification signals to others that you may be untrustworthy.

A theft conviction on your record can prevent you from getting hired for jobs that require background checks. Many employers automatically disqualify candidates with theft convictions, especially for positions involving money, inventory, or sensitive information. Landlords routinely reject applicants with theft records. Professional licensing boards may deny or revoke licenses. Colleges and graduate programs may reject applications.

For non-citizens, the consequences are even more severe. Immigration law treats crimes of moral turpitude harshly, potentially leading to deportation, denial of naturalization, or bars on reentry to the United States.

This is why our Dallas theft lawyers focus not just on avoiding jail, but on protecting your record entirely through dismissals, reductions to non-theft offenses, or deferred adjudication when possible.

What Defenses Work Against Theft Charges in Dallas?

An experienced Dallas theft lawyer can raise several defenses depending on the facts of your case:

Consent: You had permission from the owner to take or use the property. The prosecution must prove you lacked consent.

Lack of intent: Theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner. If you forgot to pay, made an honest mistake, or intended to return the item, you may have a valid defense.

Mistaken identity: Someone else committed the theft, or surveillance footage doesn’t clearly identify you.

Challenging the value: If the prosecution overvalues the property, we can contest the amount to potentially reduce your charge level.

Duress: You took the property under threat of harm to yourself or your family.

Illegal search or seizure: If police obtained evidence through an unconstitutional search, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence.

Many people charged with theft are young adults with no criminal history. In these situations, Dallas County offers pretrial diversion programs that can result in complete dismissal upon successful completion. These theft intervention programs typically involve community service, restitution, and educational classes. Our attorneys will evaluate whether you qualify for diversion and advocate for this outcome when appropriate.

How We’ve Helped Clients Facing Theft Charges

Our track record speaks for itself. Here are examples of theft case results we’ve achieved for clients:

In one recent case, our attorneys represented a client charged with Theft $100-$750. We negotiated with prosecutors and secured acceptance into the Deferred Prosecution Program, which will result in complete dismissal upon successful completion. This outcome means our client will have no conviction on their record.

In another case involving theft of property valued between $500 and $1,500 (now $750 to $2,500 under current law), our attorneys successfully obtained a dismissal of all charges. The client walked away with no conviction and the ability to pursue expunction of the arrest record.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved.

How Does Our Dallas Theft Defense Process Work?

When you hire Varghese Summersett, we immediately begin building your defense. First, we obtain all evidence the prosecution has, including police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any physical evidence. We analyze the legality of the stop, detention, and any searches conducted.

Our team then identifies weaknesses in the state’s case. Did loss prevention follow proper procedures? Is the identification reliable? Can the prosecution actually prove intent? We use these weaknesses to negotiate with prosecutors for dismissals or reductions.

If your case goes to trial, we present your defense before a Dallas County jury in the Dallas County Criminal Courts. Our trial attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases and know how to effectively challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Why Choose Varghese Summersett for Your Dallas Theft Case?

Our firm brings significant resources to every theft case. With over 70 team members across four Texas offices, including our Dallas location, we have the capacity to thoroughly investigate and defend your case. Our criminal defense team includes attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by less than 10% of Texas attorneys.

We’ve achieved more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions for clients facing criminal charges. We’ve earned over 1,100 five-star client reviews and multiple “Best Law Firms” recognitions. More importantly, we’ve helped thousands of clients avoid convictions that would have permanently damaged their futures.

Don’t let a theft charge derail your future. Schedule a free consultation now at 214-903-4000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Theft Charges

Can I get a theft charge dismissed in Dallas?

Yes, theft charges can be dismissed in Dallas County. Common paths to dismissal include completing a pretrial diversion program, demonstrating insufficient evidence, or successfully challenging the legality of your detention or search. First-time offenders often have the best chances for dismissal.

Will I go to jail for shoplifting in Dallas?

Jail time depends on the value of items taken and your criminal history. Shoplifting under $100 is a Class C misdemeanor with no jail time possible. However, shoplifting $100 or more can result in jail sentences ranging from 180 days to years in prison, depending on the amount.

How long does a theft conviction stay on my record in Texas?

A theft conviction remains on your criminal record permanently in Texas unless you qualify for an expunction or order of nondisclosure. Convictions (as opposed to deferred adjudication) generally cannot be expunged, which is why avoiding a conviction in the first place is so critical.

What happens if I’m falsely accused of theft?

False theft accusations occur more often than people realize, particularly in retail settings with multiple customers and busy employees. If you’re falsely accused, do not make statements to loss prevention or police. Contact a Dallas theft lawyer immediately. We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to prove your innocence before charges are even filed.

Is theft a felony in Texas?

Theft becomes a felony in Texas when the value of stolen property exceeds $2,500. Theft of $2,500 to $30,000 is a state jail felony. Higher amounts result in third, second, or first degree felony charges with increasingly severe penalties. Theft of a firearm is automatically a state jail felony regardless of value.

Contact a Dallas Theft Lawyer Today

A theft charge threatens your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities. The sooner you have an experienced attorney protecting your rights, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our Dallas theft lawyers have handled every type of theft case, from first-time shoplifting allegations to complex embezzlement charges involving millions of dollars. We understand what’s at stake and we fight aggressively for every client.

Call 214-903-4000 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.