Shoplifting Lawyer In Irving

Facing A Shoplifting Charge & Unsure What Comes Next?

A shoplifting accusation can change your life in a moment. One decision at a store can suddenly turn into an arrest, a court date, and a criminal record that follows you for years. If you are dealing with a shoplifting charge and feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. My name is Erin Kelley, and through Kelley Legal I represent people who are facing criminal charges in this area, including retail theft and shoplifting cases. Many of my clients have never been arrested before. They are worried about their jobs, their families, their immigration status, and how this will affect the rest of their lives.

I intentionally keep my caseload smaller so I can work with you one-on-one, explain every step, and answer your questions in plain language. If you prefer to speak in Spanish, we can have every conversation in Spanish without going through a translator. My goal is to help you understand your options and make careful decisions about your future.

Schedule a free consultation with Kelley Legal to get started. 

Personalized Shoplifting Defense Focused On Your Future

When you are searching for a shoplifting attorney in Irving, you are not just looking for legal information. You want to know who will stand next to you in court, listen to your side of the story, and help you understand what this charge really means. That is how I approach every case I accept.

I take on fewer clients so I can stay closely involved in each case. That means I have time to review the reports with you, talk through the evidence, and explain what choices you have at each stage. You are never just a file on a desk. You are a person whose future can be affected by every decision in the criminal process. I also know that language can be a barrier. I speak Spanish, and many of my clients choose to discuss everything in Spanish so that nothing is lost in translation. Because my office shares space with two immigration attorneys, I am constantly aware of how criminal cases and immigration status can affect one another. I use that awareness when I talk with you about possible outcomes, so we can work to avoid criminal resolutions that create unnecessary immigration problems whenever the law allows.

What A Shoplifting Charge Really Means In Texas

How Texas Treats Shoplifting & Theft

Shoplifting is usually charged as theft under Texas law. The level of the charge often depends on the value of the property the store claims you took or tried to take. Even when the amount is low, a theft allegation can carry consequences that reach far beyond a single court date.

For many first-time cases, the charge is a misdemeanor. Penalties can include fines, court costs, probation, or in some situations, jail time. The court that hears the case and the range of punishment will typically depend on the value involved and where the incident took place. While not every case results in the maximum punishment, any theft conviction can create a permanent record that employers, landlords, and licensing boards may see.

Long-Term Consequences Of A Theft Conviction

Theft is often treated as a crime involving dishonesty, and that can be especially serious for people in certain jobs or for those who hope to work in positions of trust. A criminal record can affect future opportunities in ways that are not obvious at first. As a shoplifting criminal attorney in Irving, I work with you to understand not just the potential court sentence, but also how different outcomes might affect your record, your work, and your long-term plans.

What To Do After A Shoplifting Arrest In Irving

The hours and days after a shoplifting arrest can feel confusing and stressful. You may have been questioned by store employees or loss prevention staff, then by the police, and then handed paperwork you did not fully understand. Taking a few careful steps now can help protect your rights and give you better options later.

Here are practical steps I recommend you consider after a shoplifting arrest:

• Keep your paperwork together. Hold on to any citations, bond paperwork, or notices you received from officers or the jail. These documents often list your charge, your case number, and your first court date.
• Be cautious about what you say. It can be tempting to explain yourself to store employees, officers, or other people involved. Statements you make can sometimes be used as evidence. It is usually safer to wait and talk privately with a lawyer first.
• Write down what you remember. As soon as you can, make notes for yourself about what happened, who was present, and anything you noticed about cameras, receipts, or store procedures. Details can fade quickly, and this information may help when we review the case.
• Do not ignore court dates. Your notice will usually list a court and a date. Missing a required appearance can lead to additional problems, including warrants. If you contact me early, I can explain what that first date is for and how we can prepare.
• Reach out for legal guidance. Before you go back to court or make decisions about pleas, it helps to sit down with someone who regularly handles shoplifting cases. I review the charge, answer your questions, and discuss strategies tailored to your situation.

You do not have to go through this alone. Taking these steps and talking with a lawyer as soon as possible gives you a better chance to understand your options and avoid decisions that might hurt you later.

How Shoplifting Cases Move Through The Local Courts

The Path Of A Typical Shoplifting Case

One of the most stressful parts of a shoplifting case is not knowing what will happen next. Understanding the general path of a case in this part of Dallas County can make the process more manageable and help you feel more prepared.

After an arrest or citation, your case is usually filed in a local court based on where the store is located and the level of the charge. Many shoplifting cases from this area are handled in municipal or county courts that regularly see theft charges. At the first setting, sometimes called an arraignment or first appearance, the judge typically explains the charge, addresses bond issues, and may ask you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

What Happens After The First Court Date

If you plead not guilty, your case usually moves into a pretrial stage. During this time, the prosecutor and defense review evidence such as reports, witness statements, and store video if it is available. There may be discussions about possible plea agreements, diversion programs, or other resolutions, depending on the facts of the case and your history. As a lawyer providing shoplifting criminal defense in Irving, I guide you through each hearing, explain what is happening, and help you weigh the pros and cons of different choices.

Some cases are resolved through negotiated agreements, and others proceed further in the court process. Throughout, my role includes preparing you for what to expect each time we go to court, communicating with the prosecutor on your behalf, and helping you avoid rushed decisions that could create long-term problems.

Protecting Immigration Status In Shoplifting Cases

Why Shoplifting Charges Matter For Noncitizens

For noncitizen clients, a shoplifting charge can create a different level of worry. You may be thinking about your green card, your ability to travel, or future applications for citizenship. It is important to understand that some theft offenses can have serious immigration consequences, especially if they are treated as crimes involving moral turpitude.

Criminal and immigration law are separate systems, but they often affect each other. A plea that seems acceptable in criminal court can still create immigration problems in certain situations. That is why it is critical to look carefully at both sides before deciding how to resolve a shoplifting case.

How I Factor Immigration Issues Into Your Case

I work in an office that I share with two immigration attorneys. This environment keeps immigration issues in front of me every day. While I do not provide immigration representation, I am very aware that decisions made in a criminal case can affect a person’s status or future applications.

When I advise noncitizen clients, I pay close attention to how different options might interact with immigration law. My goal is to help you avoid, when possible and within the limits of the law, criminal outcomes that create unnecessary risk for your status. If immigration questions arise that go beyond my role in criminal defense, I can suggest that you speak with an immigration attorney so that you can make fully informed decisions.

How I Work With You On Your Shoplifting Case

What To Expect When You Hire Me

When you hire me as your shoplifting criminal lawyer in Irving, you are choosing someone who will sit down with you, get to know your situation, and guide you step by step. I do not hand your case off to a rotating team of lawyers. You work directly with me.

In our first meeting, I will listen to your account of what happened and review any paperwork you received. We talk about the charge, what the law says, and what the next court date is for. I answer your questions about possible penalties, what to wear to court, and how to handle conversations with employers or family. If you prefer to speak Spanish, our entire meeting can be in Spanish.

Ongoing Communication & Case Strategy

After that, I obtain and review the evidence, such as police reports and store materials, when they are available. I then explain what that evidence shows and discuss possible strategies that may include challenging parts of the case, seeking reductions, or exploring options that might help protect your record. Throughout the process, I keep my caseload low enough to stay available for updates and additional questions. My goal is for you to understand each step and never feel like you are going through the process on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first-time shoplifting charge?

Many first-time shoplifting cases do not result in jail, but the risk depends on several factors. Courts look at the value involved, your prior record, the specific court handling the case, and the facts the prosecutor believes are true. In some situations, options such as probation or other outcomes may be available instead of jail. There are also cases where judges and prosecutors ask for jail time, especially if there are prior offenses. When we talk, I review your specific situation and explain what range of outcomes is realistic in your case.

Will this shoplifting case stay on my record forever?

A theft conviction can stay on your criminal record and may appear on background checks for many years. That is one reason it is important to take a shoplifting charge seriously, even if the value is low. In some cases, there may be ways to resolve a case that reduce the long-term impact, such as dismissals or other outcomes, depending on the facts, the court, and your history. Options related to record sealing or similar relief, when available, also depend on specific legal rules. During a consultation, I explain how different resolutions might affect your record and discuss what goals are realistic for you.

How can a shoplifting conviction affect my immigration status?

Certain theft offenses can create serious immigration problems for noncitizens. Immigration authorities often view some theft convictions as crimes involving moral turpitude, which can affect applications, travel, and sometimes the ability to remain in the country. The exact impact depends on your current status, the specific charge, the sentence, and your history. Because I work in an office that includes immigration lawyers, I am very aware of these issues and keep them in mind when advising noncitizen clients. If your situation raises complex immigration questions, I encourage you to speak with an immigration attorney in addition to our conversations about the criminal case.

Do I really need a lawyer for a shoplifting charge?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but having representation can make a significant difference in how you understand and handle your case. A shoplifting charge involves legal rules, evidence, and procedures that can be confusing if you have never been through the system before. As your lawyer, I help you understand the strength of the evidence, explore possible resolutions, and prepare for each court date. I also look at long-term concerns such as your record and immigration status. Many people tell me that simply having someone explain the process and stand next to them in court reduces a great deal of stress.

Can I talk with you in Spanish about my case?

Yes, you can talk directly with me in Spanish about every part of your shoplifting case. You do not have to rely only on staff or interpreters to communicate. Many of my clients feel more comfortable expressing themselves and asking questions in Spanish, especially when the subject is as serious as a criminal charge. During meetings and phone calls, we can discuss your concerns, your options, and what to expect in court in the language that is easiest for you. My goal is to make sure you fully understand each step of the process.

What will happen at my first court date?

The first court date is often used to make sure you understand the charge and to address basic matters such as your bond status. The judge may ask you to confirm your identity, inform you of the accusation, and ask how you wish to plead. In many cases, no final decisions are made on that day, and it becomes the starting point for future hearings and negotiations. If I represent you, I explain ahead of time what that specific court usually does at first settings and how you should respond to questions. We also talk about how to dress, when to arrive, and what you can expect from the judge and prosecutor that day.

How soon should I contact a shoplifting lawyer after being charged?

It is usually better to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a shoplifting charge. Early involvement gives us more time to review the paperwork, request evidence, and prepare for the first court setting. It can also help you avoid making statements or taking actions that might limit your options later. As a shoplifting lawyer in Irving, I meet with clients to go over the details of their situation and talk about timelines and upcoming dates. Reaching out early helps you feel more prepared and allows us to start building a plan right away.

Talk With Me About Your Shoplifting Charge

Being accused of shoplifting can leave you feeling embarrassed, worried, and unsure where to turn. You do not have to face the courts, the prosecutor, and the long-term consequences of a theft charge on your own. When you contact me, we focus on what matters most to you, such as protecting your record, your job, and your immigration future, within what the law allows.

At Kelley Legal, I take the time to listen, explain the process, and stay available for your questions throughout your case. I keep my caseload low, and I work directly with you in English or Spanish, so you always know who is handling your case and what is happening next. The first step is simply to talk about your situation and your options.

To discuss your shoplifting case and get clear information about your next steps, call (469) 564-3420.