San Antonio, TX Theft Crimes and Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

If you’re accused of theft, you need to take immediate action, even if you haven’t been arrested. You don’t want to make a mistake that could make the situation worse. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. You don’t want to try to deal with the police alone. In the meantime:

Remain silent. Don’t talk to the police without legal representation.
Preserve evidence. Save receipts, messages, and witness contact info.
Avoid the accuser.
Understand the charges.
Stay off social media.

If you’re unsure of what your next steps should be, contact us at Michael & Associates. Our Dallas theft attorneys are ready to answer your questions.

Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can have serious, lifelong consequences that may include:

Criminal record – Background checks will flag a theft conviction.
Employment issues – Theft is a crime of dishonesty, affecting job prospects and professional licensing.
Educational consequences – You may lose scholarships or be denied admission.
Immigration penalties – Theft convictions can lead to deportation or visa denial.
Repeat offender enhancements – Future charges may be more severe.

Expungement is possible in limited circumstances. You may qualify if:

• You were found not guilty at trial
• Your charges were dismissed
• You completed a pretrial diversion program
• You completed deferred adjudication for a Class C misdemeanor

If you’re not eligible for expungement, you may still qualify for a nondisclosure order, which seals your record from the public. Contact us today and we will talk you through the process.

Yes. Even a misdemeanor theft or shoplifting charge in San Antonio can have long-term consequences. A conviction can appear on background checks, making it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for student loans. Don’t assume a minor charge isn’t serious. A skilled San Antonio, Texas theft lawyer from Michael & Associates can fight to protect your record, negotiate for dismissal, and help you move forward.

Prior theft convictions can make your current case much more serious. Under Texas law, even a minor theft involving property worth less than $100 can be upgraded from a Class C to a Class B misdemeanor if you’ve been convicted of theft before. Repeat offenses often carry stiffer penalties. The San Antonio theft defense lawyers at Michael & Associates will review your record and develop a strategy to minimize the impact of past convictions.

Yes. Texas law increases penalties in certain cases. You could face elevated charges if the alleged theft involved an elderly person, a nonprofit organization, or a public servant. The same applies to theft involving tampering with fire alarms or other safety devices. Our San Antonio theft attorneys know how to identify these aggravating factors and attack overcharges.

Possible defenses include lack of intent (for example, misunderstanding ownership or forgetting to return property), mistake of fact, or duress. Every case is different, and our San Antonio theft defense team at Michael & Associates will examine the facts, review the evidence, and build a strong defense to protect your rights.

Yes. Many theft cases in San Antonio can be reduced or dismissed, particularly for first-time offenders or cases with weak evidence. Michael & Associates may negotiate plea agreements, pursue pretrial diversion, or challenge improper searches or evidence collection. The earlier you contact our San Antonio Texas theft lawyers, the better your chances for a favorable outcome.

Petty theft typically refers to misdemeanor theft involving property worth less than $2,500. Felony theft involves higher-value property or certain types of stolen items, like firearms, metals, or livestock. Felony charges carry much steeper penalties. The San Antonio theft attorneys at Michael & Associates work to dispute valuations and evidence to reduce felony-level exposure whenever possible.

A conviction stays on your record for life. Theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude, which can permanently affect employment, housing, and licensing opportunities. However, our San Antonio theft defense lawyers can help determine whether you qualify for expungement or nondisclosure to keep the conviction from public view.

Often, yes. Probation or deferred adjudication may be available depending on your criminal record, the property value, and the facts of your case. The San Antonio criminal defense team at Michael & Associates can negotiate for alternatives to jail, including community supervision and diversion programs.

Yes. Shoplifting falls under the same Texas theft statute as other thefts, but retailers often press charges aggressively—even for low-value items. You may also face separate civil penalties. Our San Antonio shoplifting lawyers can fight both criminal and civil consequences, protecting your record from long-term harm.

If you’ve been accused of theft in San Antonio, don’t speak to police or store security without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact Michael & Associates right away. Our San Antonio, Texas theft lawyers will evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and begin building a strong defense immediately.