Theft offenses fall into two categories: theft of services and theft of property. While very clear on the definition, theft offenses fall under many statutes and the need for a Knoxville, TN theft defense lawyer is evident to understand your options, raising defenses or creating plea bargains to minimize the impact on you. If you've been arrested for a theft, contact Attorney Matt Ooten, at Ooten Law, by calling 865-259-0999 for representation now!
A Theft Defense Lawyer
A Knoxville theft defense lawyer helps to defend you against crimes of theft that include shoplifting and crimes where funds have been taken and used for purposes not intended which also commonly known as embezzlement. A number of people don't consider shoplifting to be a particularly serious crime, when in fact, a conviction for theft will more than likely result in jail time and hefty fines. There are penalties that normally come with a shoplifting or a theft charge. Some of those penalties may include:
- You may have to reimburse the store for the amount of goods you allegedly stole.
- You could possibly receive hefty fines and court costs
- You could possibly receive felony charges. A felony theft conviction can seriously jeopardize your future employment outlook. Often prospective employers use background checks during their hiring process. When a potential employer finds a previous conviction for shoplifting on your record. In that instance you will need to hire a Tennessee expungement attorney to help restore your criminal record.
Are You in Need of a Theft Defense Lawyer?
For these reasons, you should fight your shoplifting charges with the help of a skilled and experienced shoplifting lawyer. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may be able to avoid all or most of the penalties for a shoplifting conviction.
Penalties for Theft in Tennessee
As in any state, theft in Tennessee is a very serious crime. according to the Tennessee Code Title 39 - Criminal Offenses, Chapter 14 - Offenses Against Property, some of the penalties for theft in the State of Tennessee is as follows:
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Class A misdemeanor:
if the value of the property or services obtained is one thousand ($1,000) or less;
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Class E felony:
if the value of the property or services obtained is more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) but less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500)
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Class D felony:
if the value of the property or services obtained is two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or more but less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000);
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Class C felony:
if the value of the property or services obtained is ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more but less than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000);
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Class B felony:
if the value of the property or services obtained is sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) or more but less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000)
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Class A felony:
if the value of the property or services obtained is two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more.
What is the Punishment for a Misdemeanor in Tennessee
There are three classifications of misdemeanors in Tennessee. The three classifications of misdemeanors in Tennessee are as follows:
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Class C
The maximum sentence for a Class C misdemeanor is 30 days
Types of Class C Misdemeanors
- Speeding
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Intoxication
- Criminal Trespass
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Class B
The maximum sentence for a Class B misdemeanor is 6 months
Types of Class B Misdemeanors
- Reckless Driving
- Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License
- Resisting Arrest with no weapon involved
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Class A
The maximum sentence for a Class A misdemeanor is 11 months and 29 days
Types of Class A Misdemeanors
- Theft under $1000
- Vandalism under $500
- Simple Assault
- Domestic Assault
- Driving Under the Influence
- Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Reckless Endangerment
What is the punishment for a felony in Tennessee
There are six classifications of felonies in Tennessee. The six classifications for felonies in Tennessee are as follows:
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Class E Felony
Not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Types of Class E Felonies
- Theft of property more than $1000
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Class D Felony
Not less than two (2) years nor more than twelve (12) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), unless otherwise provided by statute. Not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Types of Class D Felonies
- Possession of between ten and 70 pounds of marijuana
- Burglary
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Class C Felony
Not less than three (3) years nor more than fifteen (15) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Types of Class C Felonies
- Aggravated Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Aggravated Assault
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Class B Felony
Not less than eight (8) nor more than thirty (30) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Types of Class C Felonies
- Aggravated Burglary
- Aggravated Robbery
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Class A Felony
Not less than fifteen (15) nor more than sixty (60) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Types of Class A Felonies
- Especially Aggravated Robbery
- Aggravated Rape
At Ooten Law we will represent you zealously throughout the entire legal process. Even though you may have been arrested, you still have rights. Call us at 865-259-0999 or email us at info@ootenlawfirm.com