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Finding The Way Forward For You

Our Attorneys Can Fight Criminal Charges For Theft

Defending you and your loved ones against criminal allegations

Theft crimes in Tennessee run the full gamut of severity from low-level misdemeanors to felonies. Certain types of theft may even fall under federal jurisdiction. Even a minor theft charge can carry substantial consequences and be devastating to your reputation. We at the Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC appreciate the seriousness of these charges. If you or a loved one has been accused of theft, we understand what you are going through. You can count on our Clarksville attorneys to guide you through the storm and help you move on with your life as soon as possible.

Theft crimes and penalties

The crime of theft in Tennessee includes larceny, shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, false pretenses and receiving stolen property. Essentially, all these criminal acts come down to a lone definition: knowingly and wrongfully appropriating something of value from another with the intent permanently to deprive the owner of that value. Tennessee law frowns upon thefts of property and services and assigns a penalty based on the value of the item wrongfully appropriated:

  • $500 or less Class A misdemeanor. Up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine
  • $500 to $1,000 Class E felony. One to six years in prison and up to a $3,000 fine
  • $1,000 to $10,000 Class D felony. Two to 12 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine
  • $10,000 to $60,000 Class C felony. Three to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
  • More than $60,000 Class B felony. Eight to 30 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine

Because the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant’s intent and the value of the property in question, defense attorneys have several options for helping clients overcome or mitigate these charges. At the Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC, we devote our full array of resources and skills to assessing the case against you, negotiating a plea agreement if appropriate and seeking a dismissal or acquittal if feasible.

Other property crimes

While theft crimes are a serious matter, other property crimes, such as burglary and robbery, are grave felonies in nearly all cases. Burglary, often called breaking and entering, is the act of entering a building or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or other crimes within. Burglary involving a nonresidential building is a Class D felony, while burglary of a vehicle is a Class E felony. Aggravated burglary, which involves a residential dwelling, is a Class C felony. Robbery, the taking of property from another by force or threat of force, is considered a violent crime and is usually a Class C felony. If it involves the use of a deadly weapon, it is elevated to a Class B felony, and if the victim suffers serious bodily injury, it is elevated to a Class A felony carrying a sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison.

Trust our attorneys to build a diligent criminal defense for you

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft, burglary, robbery or any other serious property crime in Tennessee, you cannot afford to proceed without zealous and experienced legal representation. The attorneys of the Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC have been representing those accused of serious criminal charges for more than 18 years. You can rely on us to use every resource at our disposal to defend your freedom and reputation. Call us today at 931-444-5620 or contact us online to arrange a consultation at one of our three Clarksville office locations to discuss your case. We can also visit you at your place of confinement if you have already been arrested.