There are many different situations where you may be falsely accused of theft when a crime hasn’t actually been committed. Being falsely accused of theft can come with real-life consequences as well as a great deal of stress and social stigma. The good news is that you cannot technically be charged with a crime unless there is evidence that you actually committed the crime, so a wrongful accusation of theft cannot stand on its own.

If you are facing false accusations of theft in Texas, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney to support your case. At the Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we are committed to providing our clients with experienced and compassionate representation in criminal defense cases.

Repercussions of Theft Charges in Texas

False allegations of theft can come with severe consequences depending on the situation and how you are falsely accused. In most situations, you should be able to prove your innocence, as there has to be proof that the crime was committed for the charges to stick. However, there is still significant risk involved as there are several types of repercussions that could come from theft allegations.

Penalties

Before deciding what to do if someone accuses you of stealing, you should understand what these charges could imply. Texas categorizes theft into different degrees to determine what the penalties are. Depending on the type of property that was stolen, these charges could fall into the category of being a misdemeanor or a felony.

The higher the value of the supposedly stolen property, the more expensive the fines will be. For instance, the lowest charge for theft in Texas is a class C misdemeanor, which includes stolen property that has a value below $100. The penalty for a class C misdemeanor is a fine of up to $500.

Jail Time

Even misdemeanor theft charges can result in jail time depending on the value of the supposedly stolen property. For misdemeanor theft charges, the longest jail time is usually up to a year. However, for felony theft charges, this could result in up to 99 years, depending on what degree of felony it is.

Criminal Record

Theft convictions will also go on your criminal record, which will have long-term repercussions that extend far beyond fines or jail time. This can make it challenging to pursue employment or even find housing.

Social Stigma

Even for people who are falsely accused of theft, there are still repercussions of this even if the charges are ultimately dropped. Being charged with theft comes with a social stigma that could impact different aspects of your life, such as your social life, your job, and your relationships.

Steps to Take When You Are Falsely Accused of Theft

You will need to know what to do if someone falsely accuses you of stealing so that you take the right steps towards clearing your name. There are many instances where someone could be falsely accused of theft if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time, their actions are misinterpreted, or someone else used your identity.

For instance, someone may falsely accuse you of stealing if you accidentally walk out of a store without paying for an item or you may have been in a location with an item and it later came up missing and the owner of the item has pointed the blame toward you. 

No matter the situation involving the theft charges, there are certain steps you need to take to defend yourself and prove your innocence.

Stay Calm 

Facing theft allegations can be incredibly stressful but you need to stay calm and composed. Reacting impulsively can not only escalate the situation but ultimately harm your case and make you look like you are guilty.

Many people may think that they should try to talk themselves out of these charges, but this is never a good option. Staying calm, simply denying the allegation, and seeking legal counsel is advisable since it will help you avoid incriminating yourself or coming across as defensive.

Hire an Attorney

As soon as you can, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney who can represent your case and help you navigate the legal aspects of theft allegations. Your attorney will know exactly what steps to take to prove your innocence and will have the resources necessary to do so.

Gather Evidence

False theft allegations don’t usually stick as there isn’t enough evidence to prove that you willfully stole something. You and your attorney will need to work together to find evidence to help prove your innocence, such as getting witness testimonies, establishing an alibi, and accessing surveillance footage. The more evidence you can produce in your favor, the more likely it is that the theft charges will be dropped. 

Your criminal defense attorney can also help you establish proof that there was no intent to steal, which is also essential for proving your innocence.

Understand Your Rights

No matter what the theft charges entail, there are certain rights that you possess. The main right you need to remember is that you have the right to remain silent, so you do not have to speak with the police without your attorney. Your attorney will help you understand your rights and protect you from saying anything that could ultimately incriminate you when you are questioned by law enforcement.

It is also a good idea to avoid speaking with the person who has accused you of theft to avoid escalating the situation any further.

For the Best Criminal Defense in Texas, Contact The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC

Falsely accusing someone of theft creates a difficult situation that could result in extensive legal issues and penalties. If someone has accused you of theft, you need to take action to defend yourself and prove your innocence.At the Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling criminal defense cases in Pearland and Brazoria County. For compassionate and experienced legal representation, contact us today at 832-230-0076 for a free consultation.