Helping criminal defendants understand state theft laws and sentencing guidelines

Within the entire realm of criminal offenses, theft and shoplifting may seem like minor crimes compared to other serious felonies. However, any criminal convictions on your record have the power to negatively impact your personal and professional life. If you're charged with a theft crime, it is important to understand the specific implications associated with your charges and potential sentence.

Theft crimes encompass a wide variety of offenses and lead to thousands of arrests each year. In 2014 in Tennessee there were more than 1,700 motor vehicle thefts, 2,700 thefts from buildings and 4,300 other larceny thefts. Shoplifting is by far the most common theft offense with more than 22,000 arrests in 2014 throughout the state.

The severity of your theft convictions depends on the classification of your offense. Theft crimes are graded as

– Class A misdemeanor – property or services valued at $500 or less and punishable by up to one year in jail and $2500 in fines

– Class E felony – property or services worth more than $500 but less than $1,000 and punishable by up to six years in prison and $3,000 in fines

– Class D felony – property or services valued at more than $1,000 but less than $10,000 and subject to up to 12 years in prison and $5,000 in fines

– Class C felony – property or services worth at least $10,000 but less than $60,000 and punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in restitution

– Class B felony – value of property or services of at least $60,000 but less than $250,000 and subject to 30 years in prison and $25,000 in fines

– Class A felony – property or services worth at least $250,000 and punishable by up to 60 years in prison and $50,000 in fines

Theft crimes carry significant consequences and it is important to seek legal advice and counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure that your best interests are protected. The Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys at Dotson & Taylor take time to carefully investigate the circumstances of the alleged incident, as well as your arrest, to determine if law enforcement followed the law and acted appropriately. A strong defense is your most powerful weapon against criminal charges and potentially devastating penalties. To discuss your case with a top Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney, call 615-890-1982 or contact us online.