In Tennessee, theft is defined as the taking or exercising control over property that belongs to someone else without the owner’s permission, and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Theft is graded more severely based upon the value of the property.

Theft of property or services is:

  • A Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property or services obtained is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less and carries a jail sentence up to eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days;
  • A 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) and carries a sentence up to six (6) years in prison;
  • A 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) and carries a sentence up to twelve (12) years in prison;
  • A 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) and carries a sentence up to fifteen (15) years in prison;
  • A 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) and carries a sentence up to thirty (30) years in prison;
  • A Class A felony if the value of the property or services obtained is two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more and carries a sentence up to sixty (60) years in prison.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting generally refers to theft from a store or place of business, without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property taken.

Shoplifting involves the willful concealment of items being offered for sale, taking possession of items, without paying the purchase price and actions which avoid the full purchase price for an item, such as altering price tags, or re-packaging items to avoid paying the true purchase price.

In every case, a conviction can result in serious fines and/or jail time. If you are
charged with theft, contact James R. Owen and his team to ensure you get the best defense.

If you face theft charges, James R. Owen and his team will work to help you get you the best possible outcome.

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