Theft Case Results in Houston, TX

Charge

Theft - Class A Misdemeanor

Location

Harris County, CCCL3

Allegations

After a routine traffic stop, our client was arrested on a warrant for a retail theft the client did not commit. An old ID had been stolen from the client's vehicle and was used by someone else. We obtained police body worn video and discovery, which showed loss prevention detained and released a different individual after relying on that outdated ID. We secured employer time records and location data confirming the client was at work, and provided updated identification photos showing clear mismatches. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Misdemeanor Theft ($100 to $750)

Location

Harris County, County Criminal Court at Law No. 12

Allegations

A warrant issued after store security accused someone of taking merchandise and that person gave our client's name. The client, living out of state, reported identity misuse. We obtained the case mugshot and confirmed it was not our client, identifying the actual user of his information. We delivered the photo comparison and supporting records to the prosecutor and coordinated with another jurisdiction to confirm identifiers. Faced with that evidence, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Theft Under $100 (Class C)

Location

Harris County, Webster Municipal Court

Allegations

Loss prevention alleged the client placed two small items in a bag and left a retail store. When the alarm sounded, an employee confronted the client outside. The items were promptly returned and there was no police contact at the scene, but a citation arrived later for a Class C theft charge. We reviewed the store’s account and the court file, emphasized the immediate return of property, the low value involved, and the client’s clean history, and challenged any claim of intent to deprive. The prosecution agreed to deferred probation.

Charge

Theft (Class A or Class B Misdemeanor)

Location

Fort Bend County, CCL2

Allegations

Police contacted our client near a retail area after a store reported that small personal items had been taken. The merchandise was recovered from the vehicle and returned, and the client, who had no prior record, was released on a personal bond. We requested the surveillance video, bodycam and offense report, and emphasized that there was no actual loss. We engaged the prosecutor early, presented mitigation and the client’s willingness to take corrective steps. The state dismissed the case.