Fighting false theft accusations in Texas can feel very overwhelming, especially if these accusations come out of the blue. However, defending against theft charges is incredibly important since they can result in long-term legal implications. The good news is that there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself if you have been falsely accused of shoplifting or any other type of theft.
If you want to know how to fight false theft allegations in Brazoria County, Texas, the first thing you need to do is hire a Brazoria County theft lawyer. At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients, ensuring a fair outcome.
Common Scenarios That Lead to False Theft Allegations
False theft accusations in Texas are the kinds of things that you never expect to happen to you. However, anyone can fall victim to false accusations, depending on the situation.
Here are some common scenarios that could result in false theft accusations in Brazoria County, Texas.
Mistaken Identity
If you have been falsely accused of theft, it is possible that this is a simple case of mistaken identity. You may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, or you may bear a resemblance to somebody who actually committed the crime.
Misunderstood Ownership
Although uncommon, false theft accusations could also be the result of misunderstood ownership. For example, you may have taken a vehicle that was in your name, but another individual was not aware of that. So, they may have reported the vehicle as stolen and filed charges against you.
Or, you may have mistakenly thought that you had ownership over something and took it, resulting in it being reported as stolen.
Malicious Intent From Others
It is also possible for false theft allegations to come from a place of malicious intent. Someone may report something as stolen and file charges against you while knowing that you didn’t actually commit a crime.
Immediate Steps to Take if You’re Accused
One of the most stressful parts of facing false theft accusations is when you are first accused. When this happens, you may get an unexpected visit from law enforcement, which can often blindside you. It is very important that you do not do anything that could incriminate you or harm your case when this happens.
Here are some immediate steps you need to take if you are falsely accused of theft and need to clear your name:
- Exercise your right to remain silent and wait to speak to law enforcement until you have an attorney.
- Hang onto any supporting evidence that could help prove your innocence.
- Do not try to speak or confront the person who has accused you.
Legal Defense Strategies for False Theft Accusations
Now that you know what to do if accused of stealing, what are some common criminal defense strategies for theft charges in Texas? Depending on the situation and the details of the accusations, you may need to use different types of defense strategies. A theft defense attorney in Brazoria County will be able to help you determine the best strategy that aligns with the details of your case.
Here are some common examples of defense strategies that are often successful in false theft cases.
Lack of Intent
For any type of theft charge to stick in Brazoria County, there has to be intent behind the theft. If it cannot be proven that you had intent to steal, there will not be enough evidence against you to make the charges stick.
Examples of when this may apply include if you were confused over ownership and unintentionally took something that wasn’t yours. Or, you may have walked out of a store with something that you didn’t pay for, thinking that you had paid for it.
Lack of Knowledge or Consent
Your Brazoria County theft lawyer may also be able to use a lack of knowledge defense if you took an item without realizing that it belonged to somebody else. Also, there may be instances where you took someone else’s property, but you had their consent. For example, you may have used somebody’s vehicle with their consent, but somebody else thought you had stolen it.
Video Evidence or Witness Statements
In instances of mistaken identity or other types of false theft allegations, your attorney may be able to use video evidence or witness statements. There may be evidence that you were somewhere else at the time of the theft, or video evidence and witness statements may prove that the theft never happened or someone else committed it.
For the Best Criminal Defense in Brazoria County, Contact The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC
Facing false theft accusations in Texas not only comes with legal challenges, but it can also feel very overwhelming and stressful. There are certain steps you will need to take to prove your innocence in a theft case so that your rights are upheld and the charges don’t move forward. At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling theft cases and we can help you find the right criminal defense for theft in Texas. If you are looking for compassionate and experienced legal representation, contact us today at 832-230-0075 for a free consultation.
FAQ Section
Can I be arrested for theft with no evidence?
It is possible to be arrested and charged with theft if there is no evidence. However, it is very unlikely that theft charges will stick if there isn’t any evidence proving that you are the person who committed the theft.
How can I prove I didn’t steal something in Texas?
The most common defense strategy to prove that you didn’t steal something in the state of Texas is proving no criminal intent. You may also be able to prove that you had ownership of the item, you had consent from the owner of the property, or you are not the person who stole the item.
What should I do if someone falsely accuses me of theft?
Avoid discussing the allegations with law enforcement, hire a criminal defense attorney, and locate any evidence that could support your innocence.
