A Theft Charge Can Ruin Your Reputation. You Must Fight Back.
Facing theft allegations can be stressful and embarrassing. But a potentially humiliating arrest is just the tip of the iceberg. A conviction could involve jail or prison time and will have lifelong consequences. We’re here to prevent that.
Theft and property crimes are common in Tennessee. In 2023, there were 2,362 property crimes for every 100,000 people in the Volunteer State.
Any theft charge requires swift action. It could mean fines, possible jail time, and irreparable damage to your social standing and reputation. A conviction can harm your employment prospects, because many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with theft records. It can also get you barred from joining the military.
If you – or someone you know – has been accused of theft or another form of property crime, we can help.
What Kind of Charges Are Considered Theft Crimes?
Theft usually refers to taking someone else's stuff, but the charge also covers a lot more. In Tennessee, there are four main types of theft crimes:
Property Theft
When you hear about a theft, it's most likely a property theft. This is one of the most common crimes our attorneys see. Shoplifting and auto theft are both common examples.
The seriousness of these charges usually depends on the value of what was taken. It can range from a simple misdemeanor for small thefts to serious felony charges like grand theft. And if weapons are involved—like in armed robbery—there are usually extra charges on top of the theft, which means tougher penalties.
Theft by Fraud
This category covers theft offenses that involve deception or fraud. For example, pretending to be a charity to solicit donations unlawfully falls under this type.
Theft of Services
This means stealing someone else’s work, typically when the other party provides a service and expects payment upon completion, but the party who benefited from the services does not pay. For example, if someone cleans your home and you fail to pay them after the job is finished, you’ve effectively “stolen” their services.
Receiving Stolen Property
You aren’t required to steal any items yourself to be charged with receiving stolen property. Just as it sounds, you will be arrested if you knowingly accept or possess stolen property.
Are Theft Crimes Misdemeanors Or Felonies?
The classification of a theft crime depends on the value of the item taken. Misdemeanors typically involve property valued at less than $1,000 and do not involve violence.
Felonies involve items valued at more than $1,000, or incidents that involve a weapon or threat of harm. Tennessee law establishes that any theft over $500 will be considered grand larceny.
What are the Penalties for a Theft Crime in Tennessee?
Tennessee classifies theft crimes by the value of the item in question:
$1,000 or less (excluding firearms)
Charge: Class A misdemeanor
Penalties:
- A maximum of 11 months and 29 days in jail
- A fine of up to $2,500
- Possible community service or probation
Between $1,000 but less than $2,499 (or the theft of a firearm valued under $2,500)
Charge: Class E Felony
Penalties:
- 1 to 6 years in prison
- A maximum fine of $3,000
Between $2,500 and $9,999
Charge: Class D Felony
Penalties:
- From 2 to 12 years in prison
- A maximum fine of up to $5,000
Between $10,000 and $59,999
Charge: Class C Felony
Penalties:
- From 3 to 15 years in prison
- A maximum fine of $10,000
Between $60,000 and $249,999
Charge: Class B Felony
Penalties:
- From 8 to 30 years in prison
- A maximum fine of $25,000
$250,000 or more
Charge: Class A felony
Penalties:
- From 15 to 60 years in prison
- A maximum fine of $50,000
Collateral Consequences of a Theft Charge
Jail time and fines aren’t the only consequences of a theft conviction. Any theft conviction, whether misdemeanor or felony, will remain on your criminal record for life. It will appear on background checks and could make it challenging to find a job or housing or qualify for scholarships and student loans.
A theft conviction can also damage your reputation and community standing. Because theft means taking something that belongs to someone else, it won't be easy to regain the trust of others, particularly if your job requires you to be in the public eye.
Because of these long-term consequences, you must speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer ASAP. We can help protect your rights and craft a solid defense to challenge the allegations.
How to Beat a Theft Crime in Tennessee
Beating a theft charge in Tennessee requires the expertise of a skilled defense attorney. We understand that each case is unique and that your defense strategy must be customized to fit your circumstances.
We have strategies to challenge theft allegations. For example:
- We can attempt to prove mistaken identity by showing you were not the person who committed the theft
- We can demonstrate that the property in question legally belongs to you
- Our attorneys can argue that the case involved entrapment by law enforcement
- We will work to seek dismissal of charges, such as in certain shoplifting cases
- If the other strategies don’t apply, we will negotiate a plea deal in exchange for reduced charges or lighter sentencing
No matter the details of your case, our attorneys will work to gather evidence that undermines the prosecution’s case. At Michael & Associates, our primary goal is to get your charges dismissed or secure probation to minimize the impact on your life.
Let Us Help You
If you've been accused of a theft crime, you need to act quickly to give us the best possible opportunity to help you. Our No. 1 goal is a dismissal. Contact us today to set up a free, confidential consultation.