Nashville Theft Crime Lawyers

Defending Clients Accused of Theft in Tennessee

If you are facing criminal charges, it is critical that you retain an experienced theft crime lawyer. An accusation of theft can have a devastating impact on your life. You could lose your job, your reputation, and your freedom. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing an uphill battle to avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record. At the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, our Nashville theft crime attorney is here to fight for you.

Amanda Gentry has spent her career defending clients from serious charges. She is committed to providing the best representation possible. She will work tirelessly to help you avoid the consequences of a conviction. Our Nashville theft crime attorney will vigorously pursue all possible avenues of defense on your behalf. Whatever the circumstances of your case, we will work to ensure your best interests are always front and center.

Schedule a consultation with our Nashville theft crime lawyer today. Contact us online or at (615) 235-5096.

What is Considered Theft in Tennessee?

Tennessee law defines theft as the unlawful taking of property or services that belong to another person. 

Theft can be committed in a variety of ways, including:

• Stealing property or services;
• Obtaining property or services by deception;
• Obtaining property or services by coercion;
• Obtaining property or services by threat of force;
• Obtaining property or services by trick; or
• Obtaining property or services by false pretense.

The severity of the charges you face will depend on the manner in which the theft was committed. 

The following are some of the most common theft crimes in Tennessee:

• Grand theft
• Petit theft
• Auto theft
• Receiving stolen property
• Embezzlement

In order to prove that you committed theft, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly took someone else's property without their consent. It is important to note that you do not need to physically take the property in order to be convicted of theft. If you knowingly obtained the property without the owner's consent, you could still be charged with theft.

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Misdemeanor Theft in Tennessee?

Tennessee's general statute of limitations for misdemeanors is one year. However, theft can have a statute of limitations of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 15 years.

Tennessee's statute of limitations for other felonies includes: 

• Class A felonies: 15 years
• Class B felonies: 8 years
• Class C and D felonies: 4 years
• Class E felonies: 2 years

The statute of limitations does not apply to crimes punishable by death or life in jail.

Penalties for Theft in Tennessee

In Tennessee, theft penalties vary based on the value of the stolen property. The state has established different degrees of theft offenses, each carrying its own set of penalties. The value of the stolen property is used to determine the degree of the offense and the corresponding punishment.

Here is a breakdown of the theft penalties in Tennessee based on the value of the stolen property:

• Theft of property valued under $1,000: This offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Theft of property valued between $1,000 and $2,499: This offense is considered a Class E felony, punishable by imprisonment for 1 to 6 years and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
• Theft of property valued between $2,500 and $9,999: This offense is considered a Class D felony, punishable by imprisonment for 2 to 12 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Theft of property valued between $10,000 and $59,999: This offense is considered a Class C felony, which may include imprisonment for 3 to 15 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Theft of property valued between $60,000 and $249,999: This offense is considered a Class B felony, punishable by imprisonment for 8 to 30 years and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
• Theft of property valued at $250,000 or more: This offense is considered a Class A felony, which carries imprisonment for 15 to 60 years and/or a fine of up to $50,000.

Other consequences of a theft crime conviction could include:

• Loss of employment
• Inability to obtain housing
• Loss of professional licenses
• Restrictions on travel
• Loss of eligibility for government assistance
• Inability to adopt a child
• Inability to obtain student loans
• Inability to obtain professional licenses
• Inability to obtain a passport
• Inability to adopt a pet
• Inability to adopt a child

Theft crimes are taken very seriously in Tennessee. If you are convicted of theft, you could face a permanent criminal record. A conviction could affect your ability to obtain employment, housing, government assistance, professional licenses, and more. A theft crime conviction could also lead to the loss of important relationships and opportunities in your life.

Contact Our Nashville Theft Crime Attorney

If you are facing charges of theft, you need an experienced theft crime lawyer in Nashville. The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry can help you defend yourself against serious charges. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will investigate every aspect of your case and explore all possible avenues of defense.

To discuss your case with our Nashville theft crime attorney, contact us online or at (615) 235-5096. We are available 24/7 for clients throughout Tennessee.