The digital landscape has completely changed the nature of criminal offenses. Now, many offenses, particularly financial offenses, can be performed at the click of a button. In some ways, this gives the illusion that the crimes are victimless, but they are not. White...
Theft & Property Crimes
2 ways people get accused of shoplifting
In some cases, shoplifting is fairly simple. People will just conceal the products that they want to take without paying for them. They may hide those items in their clothing, such as putting an item under their shirt or in a pocket. They may conceal those items in a...
Is shoplifting a felony or misdemeanor in Texas?
Shoplifting is a form of theft, be it concealing items, changing price tags or other deceptive practices to avoid paying the full price. Some people downplay the seriousness of shoplifting, but it’s an offense that can have significant legal implications. First, you...
Why defendants should stay away from social media
Social media helps to keep people connected and can inspire them to become increasingly engaged in ways that they otherwise wouldn’t be. But it can also serve as a double-edged sword, especially for individuals facing criminal charges. As a result, if you are...
Can you switch price tags on merchandise for sale?
Tampering with price tags in Texas might be tempting because of the idea of paying less, but changing a price tag is a serious offense. It's seen as shoplifting, and it carries serious consequences. Whether it’s a high-end electronics store or your local thrift shop,...
Are the penalties for employee theft different from shoplifting?
Theft is a serious criminal offense and if you find yourself under investigation for it, you have to prepare yourself. If you are charged with employee theft, understanding its difference from other similar theft charges and applicable penalties can help set your...
Understanding accomplice liability
If you help someone with a crime, you may wonder if you will also face criminal charges. Unfortunately, this is not always a black-and-white question with a yes or no answer. Most people view helping someone as a positive thing. However, there are situations when...
What are the penalties for identity theft?
Identity theft happens when someone collects personal information to facilitate fraudulent financial transactions. Victims could suffer from its consequences by losing credit or receiving blame for illegal transactions made under their names. Sometimes, another person...
Embezzlement in Texas and possible defenses
Any crime accusation in a business setting can create a chain of adverse events for the accused. Even without a conviction, they may lose their job, potential future employers or clients and leave a bad mark on their professional record. Embezzlement is a charge that...
Do I have to let police into my home?
No one wants to see a police officer show up at their home. You may assume that if an officer is at your house, you must let them in, but this is not true. The U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment protects you from an unreasonable search and seizure in a place that...