POSS MAN/DISTR INSTR TO COMMIT RETAIL THEFT

Texas Penal Code § 31.15 targets the tools of organized shoplifting; the courthouse abbreviation 'MAN/DISTR INSTR' stands for manufacture or distribution of an instrument. A person commits the offense by possessing, manufacturing, or distributing a shielding or deactivation instrument with the intent to use it to commit theft, or knowing that someone else intends to use it to commit theft. A shielding or deactivation instrument is an item or tool designed to prevent retail theft detectors from sensing stolen merchandise — foil-lined 'booster bags' are the classic example — or to facilitate the removal of a security tag or sensor attached to merchandise. The State must prove both the act of possession, manufacture, or distribution and the accompanying theft-related intent or knowledge; possessing such an item without the theft purpose is not an offense under this statute.

Ranges are the statutory maximums for the level; enhancements, prior convictions and plea agreements change what is actually imposed.

Across 993 Texas bail settings for this charge (7 counties, Apr 2022 – Jun 2025), the median cash or surety bond was $2,500 (middle half: $1,000 – $5,000). 9% of defendants were released on a personal bond, and bail was denied in 36 cases. When this was the only charge at booking (63 records), the median was $3,000 and 14% got a personal bond.

Showing the 5 counties with the most records; use the selector for any county with at least 30. Per-charge bond settings on original magistrations, from Texas OCA bail reporting under SB 6. Bail is set case by case — these are statistics, not a prediction.