Theft is the taking of the property of another without permission. Being accused of or arrested for theft can be a shocking experience. No matter how small its value, theft of any property is treated seriously by police officers and prosecutors. Many people who face minor theft charges plead guilty because they feel they should pay for their mistake and don’t know they may have other options. They may even believe the prosecutor has offered them a good deal. Pleading guilty without first consulting a Nashville theft crimes defense lawyer may be a very serious mistake that can have severe repercussions. Our firm believes in second chances. Find out your options by calling a criminal defense lawyer in Nashville at Nash Law at 615-NASH-LAW before deciding what action to take.
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What are the Different Types of Theft Crimes in Tennessee?
There are several different types of theft crimes in Tennessee, but the main categories include theft of property, theft of services, and theft by deception.
- Theft of property is the act of stealing someone’s belongings without their permission. This can include taking someone’s car, grabbing their purse, or even stealing a package from someone’s front porch.
- Theft of services is a form of stealing in which the perpetrator obtains services without paying for them. This can include anything from using someone’s WIFI without permission to using someone’s cable subscription without paying. It can also include more serious offenses such as using someone’s identity to obtain services illegally.
- Theft by deception can be defined as stealing property from another person through fraud. This can include lying to the victim about an agreement’s true nature or misrepresenting an object’s value to obtain it. The perpetrator may also create a false sense of urgency to rush the victim into making a decision. Theft by deception can be a very sophisticated crime and often results in significant financial losses for the victim.
Theft Crime Categorization in Tennessee
In Tennessee, theft crimes are categorized into five different classes: Class A misdemeanor, Class E felony, Class D felony, Class C felony, and Class B felony. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen property.
- Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. This category includes thefts of property worth less than $500.
- Class E felonies are punishable by up to two years in prison and a $3,000 fine. This category includes thefts of property worth between $500 and $1,000.
- Class D felonies are punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. This category includes thefts of property worth between $1,000 and $10,000.
- A Class C felony includes thefts of property worth between $10,000 and $60,000,
- A Class B felony involves thefts that are worth over $60,000. These felonies carry the harshest penalties.
In addition to the theft penalties, a court may order restitution to victims of the crime(s). Restitution is an order from the court that requires the defendant to pay back the victim for any loss caused by the crime.
Burglary vs. Robbery: What’s the Difference?
When discussing theft, burglary, or robbery, it is common to confuse them or combine them. Most people think they can be used interchangeably when talking about the theft of someone else’s property. Even though burglary and robbery are similar, there are some differences between the two crimes.
As a property crime, burglary refers to entry into a residence without permission and the subsequent commission of a felony. Robbery is considered a violent crime where someone takes something of value from another using force or intimidation. Where the crime occurs and the circumstances are the key distinctions.
Potential Penalties
The penalties for robbery and burglary also differ. Normally, both the crimes are perceived as serious and the upshot can be a strict punishment. However, for some states, the intensity of these two crimes depends on whether a weapon is used or not or even if someone has got hurt.
Penalties for Robbery
Even though robbery is always a felony, a certain crime involving any kind of weapon the conviction of robbery includes a prolonged time in prison and specific fines. If we take the example of Maine’s law, it states that for a robbery convict, a person is supposed to spend a maximum of 10 years in prison with a huge fine of as much as $20,000.
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary is divided into various extents and some cases are termed as a felony. Some of the key factors include:
- A burglar armed with weapons commits a crime on the premises of the building
- Intentions of the person committing a crime
- The building used was empty or in use at the time of the crime
How Do You Defend a Theft Crime Charge?
If you have been charged with theft, you may be wondering how you can defend yourself. There are several things that you can do to improve your chances of success in court. First, you should build a strong defense team. This includes an experienced criminal defense attorney and any other experts who may be able to help your case. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence to support your case. This may include witness statements, documents, or other evidence that proves your innocence. Finally, you should prepare for trial and be ready to argue your case in court.
Need a Skilled Theft Crimes Attorney in Nashville?
Sometimes innocent people are wrongly accused and charged. We understand that good people can sometimes make mistakes and deserve help. Regardless of your circumstances, we are prepared to assist you by examining all the possible ways to resolve your case. A skilled criminal defense lawyer at our firm will listen carefully to your explanation of what occurred and can assist you to build a strong defense strategy. Call Nash Law, PLLC to discuss your case and find out what your options are.
Have you been charged with theft? Contact a Nashville theft crimes defense lawyer for help with your defense at 615-NASH-LAW.
