San Antonio, TX Theft Crimes and Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
Accused of shoplifting or theft in San Antonio? Michael & Associates can help. Our team of criminal defense lawyers offers 24/7 help and a free consultation.
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Charged with Theft in San Antonio? We Can Help.
An arrest for theft in San Antonio is a stressful, embarrassing, and potentially life-altering experience, especially if it occurs in a public place. But that arrest is just the start. Depending on the value of the stolen property and the case facts, theft charges in Bexar County can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. A conviction could result in jail time or even years in prison.
The good news? A conviction isn’t a foregone conclusion. If you’ve been charged with theft, shoplifting, or a related property crime in San Antonio or the surrounding counties, contact Michael & Associates today. Our San Antonio theft lawyers have decades of experience helping people fight back against criminal charges, including:
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Selling stolen goods
- Auto theft
Meet your San Antonio Defense Team
Why Choose Michael & Associates?
We’re not your average criminal defense firm. Our San Antonio team brings unmatched firepower and experience:
- Over 400 years of combined legal experience
- Our San Antonio team includes three former prosecutors and an ex-judge — we also have multiple attorneys who are fluent in Spanish
- 100% client satisfaction rate in San Antonio theft cases in 2025
- Available 24/7 — nights, weekends, holidays
- 175+ five-star reviews for our San Antonio office
- Free and confidential consultations
We proudly serve clients in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, Kendall, and Wilson counties.
Penalties for Theft Charges in San Antonio
Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code defines theft as “the unlawful appropriation of property with intent to deprive the owner.”
The severity of the charge depends on:
- The value of the stolen property
- Prior criminal history
- Specific circumstances (e.g., who the victim was, or the type of property)
Here’s how theft charges and penalties break down for a first-time offender:
Amount |
Criminal charge |
Maximum penalty |
Less than $100 |
Class C misdemeanor |
$500 fine |
$100 to $750 |
180 days in jail; $2,000 fine |
|
$750 to $2,500 |
One year in jail; $4,000 fine |
|
$2,500 to $30,000 |
Two years in jail; $10,000 fine |
|
$30,000 to $150,000 |
10 years in prison; $10,000 fine |
|
$150,000 to $300,000 |
Second-degree felony |
20 years in prison; $10,000 fine |
$300,000 or more |
99 years in prison; $10,000 fine |
Source: Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31
Enhanced penalties may apply if:
- The stolen item was a firearm, livestock, ATM, or valuable metal (copper, brass, etc)
- The victim was an elderly person, a nonprofit, or a government entity
- The theft involved tampering with safety systems (e.g., disabling fire alarms or security tags)
Common Property Crimes in Bexar County
Not all theft charges involve taking something by force. Even intent alone can be sufficient to warrant charges. Our firm handles all types of theft-related offenses in San Antonio:
Shoplifting / Theft (§31.03)
Shoplifting is the most common theft offense in San Antonio, including tactics like tag switching, concealment, and walking out without paying. According to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, 57,840 people were arrested for larceny-theft in Bexar County in 2024.
Motor Vehicle Theft
San Antonio consistently ranks among the top Texas cities for auto theft. In 2024, 14,625 people were charged with motor vehicle theft in the San Antonio area. Due to the high value of the property, auto theft often results in felony charges.
Robbery (§29.02)
Robbery involves theft plus bodily injury or the threat of violence. It’s a violent felony with serious consequences. In 2024, Bexar County saw 1,851 robbery arrests.
Burglary (§30.02)
Burglary refers to unlawfully entering a building intending to commit theft or another felony. All burglary charges are felonies, and home burglaries are punished especially harshly. There were 9,093 burglary cases in Bexar County in 2024.
Burglary of a Vehicle (§30.04)
Even reaching into a car window to steal something can be charged as burglary. A third offense is automatically upgraded to a felony.
READ MORE: How to get theft charges dropped in Texas
Strategic Defense from an Experienced Legal Team
When you hire Michael & Associates, you gain access to a comprehensive legal team, not just a single attorney. Our San Antonio attorneys bring experience from both sides of the courtroom — we have three former prosecutors, one former judge, and a fluent Spanish speaker. This wide range of experience gives us a distinct advantage when building your defense.
Our defense strategies may include working to prove:
- Lack of intent – You didn’t mean to steal anything
- Mistake of fact – You believed the property was yours
- Coerced confession – You were pressured to admit guilt
- Consent – You had permission to take or use the item
- Duress – You were threatened or forced to commit the crime
- Insufficient evidence – The state’s case is weak or incomplete
- Entrapment – You were set up by law enforcement
- Juvenile cases – We focus on rehabilitation over punishment
Whether it was a misunderstanding, false accusation, or poor judgment, we’re here to protect your rights and future.
Arrested for Theft in San Antonio? We Can Help
If you’re facing theft or shoplifting charges in San Antonio, don’t wait to get legal help. Michael & Associates has a proven track record of getting charges reduced, dismissed, or cleared through diversion programs.
We thoroughly review all incident reports and witness testimony, then build a customized defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and ensure your voice is heard.
Call (210) 791-7356 now or request a free case review online. Let us help you take control of your case — and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theft Charges in San Antonio
The 10 most common types of theft in Texas are:
Larceny / Theft (§31.03) – Shoplifting, stealing personal items, price tag switching
Theft by Check (§31.06) – Writing checks from closed or insufficient accounts
Credit or Debit Card Abuse (§32.31) – Using stolen, expired, or fake cards
Auto Theft – Also charged as Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (§31.07)
Theft of Services (§31.04) – Not paying for agreed-upon services
Organized Retail Theft (§31.16) – Group shoplifting operations
Identity Theft (§32.51) – Using another’s personal information without permission
Theft by Deception (§31.03) – Gaining property through trickery or lies
Cargo Theft (§31.18) – Stealing freight or commercial shipments
Theft of Trade Secrets (§31.05) – Stealing proprietary business information
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 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.
Have You Been Charged with a Theft Crime in San Antonio? Don’t Let it Derail Your LIfe.
An arrest for theft in San Antonio is a stressful, embarrassing, and potentially life-altering experience, especially if it occurs in a public place. But that arrest is just the start. Depending on the value of the stolen property and the case facts, theft charges in Bexar County can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. A conviction could result in jail time or even years in prison.
The good news? A conviction isn’t a foregone conclusion. If you’ve been charged with theft, shoplifting, or a related property crime in San Antonio or the surrounding counties, contact Michael & Associates today. Our San Antonio theft lawyers have decades of experience helping people fight back against criminal charges, including:
-
- Shoplifting
-
- Burglary
-
- Robbery
-
- Selling stolen goods
-
- Auto theft
Expungement is possible in limited circumstances. You may qualify if:
You were found not guilty at trial.
Your charges were dismissed, and you were not convicted.
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.