Nashville Theft Charges Defense Lawyer

Theft Charges Defense

Philip N. Clark, Esq.

Theft charges can cause significant harm to your reputation and future opportunities. Whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony theft, Philip N. Clark will use any flaws in the prosecution’s case to potentially get the charges reduced or dismissed. Give Philip N. Clark a call or request a consultation.

Information about theft charges

Theft Under Tennessee Law – Tennessee criminal statutes say that “a person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner of property, the person knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without the owner’s effective consent.” (Tenn. Code. Ann. § 39-14-103.) Stated another way, you commit theft in Tennessee by unlawfully taking someone else’s property while having no intent to give it back to its owner.

Classifications and Penalties for Theft – Like many state, Tennessee classifies theft offenses according to the value of the property or services involved in the offense.

Class A Misdemeanor Theft (shoplifting, theft of merchandise)

• The value of the property or services obtained is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less.
• The punishment for a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of no more than 11 months and 29 days, a fine of no more than $2,500, or both.

Class E Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services obtained is more than $1,000 but less than two thousand five hundred dollars $2,500.
• The punishment for a Class E felony in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than six (6) years, and a fine of no more than $3,000.

Class D Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services obtained is $2,500 or more but less than ten thousand dollars $10,000.
• The punishment for a Class D felony in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years and not more than 12 years, and a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Class C Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services obtained is $10,000 or more but less than $60,000.
• The punishment for a Class C felony in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of not less than 3 years and not more than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Class B Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services obtained is $60,000 or more but less than $250,000.
• The punishment for a Class B felony in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of not less than 8 years and not more than 30 years, and a fine not to exceed $25,000.

Class A Felony Theft

• The value of the property or services obtained is $250,000 or more.
• The punishment for a Class A felony in Tennessee includes imprisonment for a term of not less than 15 years and not more than 60 years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.

For more information on drug charges in Tennessee, look at Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-101 et seq.

Connect with Philip N. Clark right away!
(615) 785-2000

Schedule now