If you have been charged with shoplifting, petty theft, or another property crime, your court may require you to complete a theft awareness class as part of your sentence, probation, or diversion program. Here is what courts typically require and what you can expect from an online theft awareness class.
Theft awareness classes are educational programs designed to help participants understand the consequences of theft, develop better decision-making skills, and reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. These classes are not therapy or treatment — they are structured educational programs led by qualified professionals.
Courts typically require theft awareness classes for first-time offenders as part of a diversion agreement, as a condition of probation following a theft conviction, as part of a plea agreement, or as a condition of deferred adjudication. The length of the class required depends on your specific court order and jurisdiction — common formats are 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours.
Topics covered in a comprehensive theft awareness class include: the personal and legal consequences of theft, the impact of theft on businesses, communities, and victims, understanding impulse control and decision-making, identifying emotional and psychological triggers, personal accountability and responsibility, restitution and making amends, and strategies for behavioral change.
When courts evaluate whether to accept an online theft awareness class, they typically look for several key factors: the class must be led by a licensed or credentialed professional, the format must be live and interactive (not pre-recorded), the certificate must include instructor credentials and verification, and the program must cover substantive, relevant educational content.
At Schroeder Counseling, our theft awareness classes meet all of these requirements. All classes are conducted via live Zoom sessions with licensed counselors, and certificates include comprehensive verification details.
After completing your class, you will receive an official completion certificate that you can submit to your court, probation officer, or attorney. We can also send verification directly on your behalf.