Being accused of theft is stressful, embarrassing, and often overwhelming—especially if you were arrested in a public setting. Unfortunately, the arrest is only the beginning of the process. Depending on the value of the stolen items and the circumstances of the case, theft charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, potentially resulting in jail or even prison time.
The good news? A conviction is not inevitable. If you’ve been arrested or charged with theft, shoplifting, or a related property crime in Dallas or the surrounding counties, contact Michael & Associates today. Our Dallas theft lawyers have decades of experience defending clients in cases involving:
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Auto theft
- Selling stolen goods
Why Hire Michael & Associates as Your Dallas Theft Lawyer?
- 400+ years of combined legal experience
- Our Dallas-area team includes two former prosecutors and several career criminal defense attorneys
- Our team includes former prosecutors, judges, and a former FBI agent
- A 100% success rate in Dallas theft cases in 2025, as measured by our client satisfaction surveys
- Available 24/7 – including nights and weekends
- 175+ five-star reviews for our Dallas office
- Free and confidential consultations
And we aren’t just limited to the Dallas area. We also represent clients in Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.
Penalties for Theft Charges in Dallas
Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code describes theft as illegally taking the belongings of another.
Whether you’re charged with shoplifting, robbery, or theft, the crime’s classification will depend on the value of the items stolen, whether you’re a first-time offender, and, occasionally, the stolen item.
The penalty is most commonly determined by the value of the item that was stolen:
| Amount | Classification | Penalty |
| Less than $100 | Class C misdemeanor | Up to a $500 fine |
| $100 to $750 | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail; fine of up to $2,000 |
| $750 to $2,500 | Class A misdemeanor | Up to a year in county jail;Fine of up to $4,000 |
| $2,500 to $30,000 | State jail felony | Between six months to two years in state jail; Fine of up to $10,000 |
| $30,000 to $150,000 | Third-degree felony | Between two to ten years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000 |
| $150,000 to $300,000 | Second-degree felony | Between two and 20 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000 |
| $300,000 or more | First-degree felony | Between five to 99 years in prison; Fine of up to $10,000 |
Enhanced penalties may apply if the stolen item is:
- A firearm
- Livestock
- Certain metals (e.g., copper, aluminum, bronze)
- ATMs or their contents
Charges can also be enhanced if the theft involved:
- A nonprofit organization
- A public servant or elderly victim
- Tampering with security systems (e.g., fire alarms or theft-prevention devices)
- Use of devices to bypass anti-theft systems
Common Property Crimes in Dallas
You don’t have to physically walk out of a store with an item to be charged with theft. Intent alone can lead to criminal charges. At Michael & Associates, our Dallas theft attorneys handle all types of theft allegations, including:
Shoplifting / Larceny-Theft (§31.03)
This includes such acts as shoplifting, pickpocketing, and switching price tags. Larceny-theft is the most common theft-related offense in Dallas County, with over 47,000 arrests reported in 2024, according to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety. This reflects broader national trends — shoplifting in particular has surged nationwide by over 20% in the past year.
Auto Theft (§31.03)
Because vehicles are high-value items, stealing a car often results in felony charges. In 2024, almost 20,000 people were charged with motor vehicle theft in Dallas County.
Robbery (§29.02)
Unlike theft, robbery involves harm or the threat of harm. You can be charged with robbery if you intentionally injure someone or threaten bodily harm during the course of a theft. More than 3,100 people were charged with burglary in Dallas County in 2024.
Burglary (§30.02)
Burglary occurs when someone unlawfully enters a building to commit theft, assault, or another felony. Burglary of a habitation (residence) carries especially severe penalties. In 2024, 10,439 people were charged with burglary in Dallas County.
Burglary of a Vehicle (§30.04)
Even partially entering a vehicle—such as reaching through an open window—with the intent to steal is a criminal offense. A third conviction elevates this misdemeanor to a felony.
Strategic Defense from an Experienced Dallas Theft Lawyer
When you hire Michael & Associates, you’re not just getting one lawyer — you’re getting an entire team. Many of our Dallas-area attorneys were born and raised in the area. Two are former prosecutors, and the rest have devoted their careers to criminal defense. One has previously served as President of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Every day, our attorneys collaborate, review active cases, and return client calls promptly.
We build your defense by thoroughly reviewing the facts, gathering evidence, and aggressively challenging the prosecution’s case. Common defense strategies include:
- Lack of intent – You didn’t intend to steal.
- Mistake of fact – You reasonably believed the property was yours.
- Coerced confession – A store manager or officer pressured you into admitting guilt.
- Consent – You had permission to take or use the item.
- Duress – You were forced or threatened into committing the theft.
- Insufficient evidence – The evidence doesn’t support the charges.
- Entrapment – You were manipulated or pressured by law enforcement or security.
- Age of the accused – If a minor is involved, we will explore options that are less punitive and more focused on rehabilitation.
A one-time mistake shouldn’t ruin your future. Our Dallas theft lawyers will work to minimize the consequences and fight for the best possible outcome.
Facing Theft Charges in Dallas County? We Can Help.
If you’re facing theft or shoplifting charges anywhere in the Dallas area, we’re ready to help. We’ve earned a strong track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients because we don’t just rely on police reports. We dig deeper to tell your side of the story.
Michael & Associates is ready to defend you against any theft charge in Dallas or surrounding counties. We understand how these charges can derail your life—and we know how to fight back.
Call (469) 707-8537 now or request a free case review online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Defense in Dallas
More Dallas County Resources
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Dallas County warrant search: How to see if you have one
Michael & Associates has offices across Texas, and we are ready to help 24 hours a day. We also serve clients in Allen, Arlington, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Lancaster, Mansfield, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Plano, and Richardson.
Address: 6301 Gaston Ave., Suite 1524, Dallas, Texas 75214
Phone: (214) 253-4143
Ben has vast experience in defending criminal cases ranging from DWIs to assault, drug possession, and many more. He has countless criminal charges dismissed and pled down. Among many other awards, one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Texas and winner of Top 40 under 40.