Theft or Theft Tickets
Did you receive a ticket for shoplifting in Austin, by the APD?
We can help you. Theft is something you should avoid having on your record at all costs. Nothing follows you in your life as much as a theft record. It means an employer can deny you employment because of your record. It can be a harsh consequence for someone young who really did not understand the significance of a bad decision.
BACK TO TOPCan this be dismissed? Can I avoid being convicted for this?
Yes, these types of cases can be dismissed and you can avoid a conviction. I have a record of getting these cases dismissed. Each case is different and no lawyer can make a guarantee, however, hiring a lawyer who has handled these cases for 18 years is helpful to get the case dismissed or avoid a conviction. I have had success over the past 18 years getting theft cases dismissed in return for counseling and other conditions of agreements with prosecutors.
BACK TO TOPMy shoplifting ticket has a Court date, what is that about?
Your shoplifting ticket probably tells you to go to Travis County JP Five (5) at 9:00 AM about a month after you got the ticket. At JP Five (5), you will go through a booking and bond process and you will be magistrated by a Judge. After you walk through the booking and bond process you will be given a Court date about one month after your booking date. Getting a bond is not a guarantee, call Tom O'Leary for representation, I will help you through this process.
BACK TO TOPTheft by check?
Theft by check is a very common type of case. The fact that the case started because of a check issue does not mean it is any less serious than other types of theft cases. It can lead to a record for theft which is a serious matter. Depending on the amount and circumstances, most Counties and prosecutors are more interested in restitution than punishing a person who wrote the checks.
BACK TO TOPEmployee theft?
Employee theft is a very common charge and each case is truly different depending on the severity of the charge. It is considered a more heinous crime because of the breach between the trust of the employee and employer. Most prosecutors will attempt to impose harsher penalties for employee theft.
BACK TO TOPWhat happens if I am convicted of theft?
A theft conviction is considered a crime of moral turpitude and it can effect job possibilities upon conviction. If you have ever filled out an employment application you may have noticed a question as to whether you have been convicted of a felony or any crime of moral turpitude. An employer can screen applicants based upon the answer to this question. Thus, there is a far reaching effect of a theft conviction.
BACK TO TOPWho knows what my record is?
Criminal records are maintained by the Department of Public Safety, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Neither of these agencies records are open to the public. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the County or District clerk's office, or the Municipal Court where you were charged has a file concerning the incident. That record is open to the public. Anyone can ask to see that file and read the contents. Recently, new businesses like Publicdata.com have started to maintain private databases of Court records. Some employers use these businesses to investigate potential employees. You can have a record expunged under certain circumstances, please look at my section on expunctions for more information.
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Tom O'Leary is an Austin, Texas attorney who served as a prosecutor before beginning his private practice in 1992. He has represented hundreds of individuals in a variety of criminal matters.
If you have any questions, please contact us online or call us at 512.441.9941.