In the Greater Houston area, most experienced attorneys will charge at least $4000-5000 for a first-time theft or shoplifting case. High-profile attorneys may charge as much as $10,000. In many cases, trial is an additional fee. When hiring an attorney, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney with experience with the particular type of case, as well as experience working in the courts of the county where the case is filed. Other than the cost of a criminal defense lawyer, your will have to pay bond. Fortunately, in Houston, for many misdemeanors, you may be eligible for a pretrial bond, which is essentially free. You may still have to pay a small amount of supervision fees or fees for drug testing, depending on what the judge orders. If you end up on probation for your shoplifting case, there are typically monthly supervision fees, as well as a fine and the costs of classes you may be ordered to take as a condition of your probation.