Tennessee takes theft crimes seriously, regardless of how minor it may seem. Although there are categories to differentiate between the severity of theft crimes, they all fall under the same illegal activity—the charged individual steals an object without permission and their intent is to deprive the owner of the stolen object.
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, petty theft, or grand theft in Tennessee, a Nashville criminal defense lawyer from Raybin & Weissman, P.C. can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Everyone has the right to a fair trial and legal representation, and our team works diligently to provide every client with a strong defense. We can negotiate on your behalf and support you in court.
Shoplifting varies slightly from theft because the shoplifter is stealing from a store instead of an individual. Shoplifting can include altering prices, falsifying returns, and other strategic ways to deprive the store of money. Although shoplifting is petty theft, it has its own category under the law.
If you’re charged with shoplifting and the value of the property you stole is less than $500, Tennessee will charge you with a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction can result in almost a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. You may also have to pay the store restitution, which will be three times the value of whatever you stole.
Similar to shoplifting, Tennessee charges petty theft when someone steals items valued at less than $500. Unlike shoplifting crimes that occur at retail establishments, petty theft can apply to robberies, break-ins, or muggings. Tennessee also charges petty theft crimes with a Class A misdemeanor; however, if the theft involved violence, the charges could be more severe.
Tennessee classifies grand theft as any theft where someone steals property valued at greater than $500. Tennessee charges all grand theft crimes as felonies.
If you stole property valued between $500 and $1,000, Tennessee will charge you with a Class E felony, which can result in between one and six years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines. Penalties and fines increase as the value of property stolen increases. When the property stolen is valued at $60,000 or more, you can face between eight and thirty years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
You may think a theft crime is minor, but Tennessee places significant penalties and fines on those convicted of theft. If you’re facing criminal charges of any kind, speak to an attorney and fight your case in court. Even if you feel like all hope is lost, your legal team may have strategies that can work to your advantage.
To discuss your case with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer from Raybin & Weissman, P.C., call 615-256-6666 to schedule a no-obligation consultation or visit our website for more information.
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