If you have been charged with theft in Tennessee, your freedom, reputation, and future may be at serious risk. Even a seemingly minor shoplifting charge can have lasting consequences, and more serious allegations like burglary, auto theft, or embezzlement can lead to steep fines and long-term imprisonment. These charges are not just about stolen property. They affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or maintain professional licensing.
At Herbert & Lux Attorneys at Law, our experienced Nashville theft lawyers know what is at stake. We provide tough, strategic defense for people facing theft charges throughout Davidson County and surrounding areas. We treat every case with the respect it deserves, no matter how serious the accusation. Our mission is to protect your rights and work toward a resolution that protects your freedom and your future.
Types of Theft Charges in Tennessee
Theft-related crimes in Tennessee can range from non-violent misdemeanors to serious felonies involving threats, weapons, or financial fraud. The legal system distinguishes between different forms of theft based on how the property was taken, the value involved, and whether force or deception was used.
Misdemeanor Theft vs. Felony Theft
In Tennessee, theft is generally defined as unlawfully taking or exercising control over someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. The classification of theft as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of the property or services allegedly stolen.
- Theft under $1,000 is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This can result in up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
- Theft of $1,000 or more becomes a felony and is divided into several classes, each with increasingly harsh penalties. Felony theft can result in years of prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.
The court may also consider additional factors, such as prior criminal history or whether the alleged theft involved a vulnerable victim. These factors can influence whether the prosecution seeks enhanced penalties or jail time.
Shoplifting, Burglary, Embezzlement and More
Herbert & Lux Attorneys at Law defends clients against a wide range of theft charges, including:
- Shoplifting: Taking items from a retail store without paying for them. Even if the merchandise is low in value, a shoplifting conviction can lead to a criminal record and loss of employment opportunities.
- Additional charges could be added for stealing controlled substances and other drugs.
- Burglary: Entering a building without permission and with the intent to commit a theft or other felony. This is a felony in Tennessee, and penalties are enhanced if the structure was a home or occupied building.
- Auto Theft: Taking or attempting to take a vehicle that does not belong to you. Even joyriding without intent to keep the car can lead to criminal charges.
- DUI charges will be added if the vehicle was stolen while under the influence.
- Embezzlement: A form of white-collar theft in which a person who was entrusted with funds or property illegally takes it for personal use. Common in employment and business settings.
- Theft of Services: Illegally obtaining services like utilities, transportation, or entertainment without paying for them.
- Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft: Using someone else's personal information or financial data to obtain money, services, or property.
Our firm also assists clients facing charges of conspiracy, attempted theft, and accomplice liability, where an individual is accused of helping someone else commit a theft-related crime. We have defended our clients across a range of charges and have accumulated years of experience that we can leverage to defend you too.
What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in TN?
Tennessee law imposes penalties for theft that vary depending on the value of the stolen property or services. Even first-time offenders can face jail time and fines, while repeat offenders or those charged with high-dollar thefts may be looking at significant prison sentences.
Jail Time, Fines, and Criminal Record Impact
Below is a general breakdown of theft penalties in Tennessee:
- Class A misdemeanor (value less than $1,000): Up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
- Class E felony (value between $1,000 and $2,499): 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
- Class D felony (value between $2,500 and $9,999): 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- Class C felony (value between $10,000 and $59,999): 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Class B felony (value between $60,000 and $249,999): 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Class A felony (value of $250,000 or more): 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.
In addition to incarceration and fines, a conviction for theft can follow you for life. Employers, landlords, banks, and universities often perform background checks. A theft conviction may also affect professional licensing and eligibility for certain types of financial aid or housing.
No matter where you go, these charges can follow, and only the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help mitigate any possible penalties.
What to Do If You Have Been Accused of Theft
If you are being investigated or have already been charged with a theft offense, it is important to act quickly. The decisions you make in the first few days after your arrest can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
Here are a few immediate steps to protect your rights:
- Do not talk to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are innocent.
- Avoid discussing your case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your side of the story, including receipts, text messages, or surveillance footage.
- Contact a qualified Nashville criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
At Herbert & Lux Attorneys at Law, we are ready to step in quickly and begin building your defense before charges escalate or key evidence is lost.
How Herbert & Lux Attorneys at Law Builds a Strong Defense
Our team uses a comprehensive approach to defending theft charges. Each case is different, and the strategy we pursue depends on the specific facts and goals of the client.
Some of the strategies we may use include:
- Challenging the prosecution's evidence or methods of identifying the suspect.
- Demonstrating that there was no criminal intent or that the incident was a misunderstanding.
- Highlighting procedural errors made by law enforcement, such as unlawful search or seizure.
- Seeking diversion programs or probation for eligible first-time offenders.
- Negotiating for reduced charges or case dismissal when the facts allow.
In felony cases, we often work with investigators, forensic analysts, and expert witnesses to uncover flaws in the state's version of events. Our focus is always on reducing or eliminating the impact of a criminal charge on your life.
Call Our Nashville Theft Crime Lawyer for a Free Case Review
Facing theft charges in Tennessee is serious, but you do not have to face them alone. At Herbert & Lux Attorneys at Law, we understand that good people can sometimes find themselves in difficult situations. Our legal team offers experienced, respectful, and aggressive defense for clients accused of shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement, auto theft, and more.
Contact us today at (615) 878-5537 for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to listen without judgment and act with urgency. We can help you understand your legal options and build a defense strategy that fits your specific situation. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better chance you have at protecting your future.
