PROPERTY CRIMES ATTORNEY SERVING KNOXVILLE & FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 1,167,296 arrests were made for property crime-related offenses in 2018. Property crimes are offenses such as larceny-theft, burglary, criminal trespass, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Property crimes charges in Tennessee are serious and often attract severe punishments and other long-term consequences. If you or a family member has been arrested and charged with a property crime, it is crucial to consult with a skilled and aggressive Tennessee criminal defense attorney to defend your rights.

The Law Office of Joshua S. Reed is committed to providing experienced legal guidance and strong representation to clients in matters of criminal law and property crimes. As a knowledgeable Tennessee criminal defense attorney, I will fight vigorously to protect your rights and strategize your best defense for the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We proudly serve clients all over East Tennessee including but not limited to Knox, Blount, Anderson, Sevier, Jefferson, Monroe, McMinn, Roane, and Union Counties.

TYPES OF PROPERTY CRIME AND POSSIBLE PENALTIES IN TENNESSEE

"Property crime" is a term used to describe a category of crime that involves theft or destroying another person's property. These include theft, burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, larceny, shoplifting, trespassing, and vandalism. Property crimes may be carried out to obtain money, destroy property, or achieve some other benefit.

Some of the most common examples of property crimes in Tennessee include:

VANDALISM

Vandalism involves any action that is carried out deliberately to destroy or damage public or private property. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-408, the crime of vandalism is committed if a person intentionally causes damage to personal or government property, damages merchandise, or aids or facilitates vandalism.

The value of the property damaged determines the severity of the defendant's punishment. Punishment may include fines of up to $25,000, and a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

ARSON

Under Tennessee law, arson is defined as the act of damaging a structure by fire or explosion, without the consent of the property owner and with intent to destroy the property. The offense of arson is further classified into:

• Reckless Burning – Burning someone else's property recklessly

• Arson – Damaging a structure by fire or explosion

• Aggravated Arson – Damaging a structure by fire or explosion, which also results in bodily injury or harm to someone present in the building

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-301, arson is charged as a Class C felony. Possible penalties include fines up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of 3 and 15 years.

TRESPASSING

Trespassing or criminal trespassing occurs when a person enters or stays on another person's property without the property owner's permission or consent.

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-405, trespassing is charged as a Class C misdemeanor. Possible penalties for trespassing include a $50 fine and a prison sentence up to 30 days.

BURGLARY

Under Tennessee law, a person commits the offense of burglary if he or she unlawfully or intentionally enters or remains in a building not open to the public, with the intent to commit a theft, felony, or assault. An aggravated burglary occurs when the burglary involves a habitation structure and a person suffers serious harm or bodily injury.

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-401, burglary is charged as a Class D or E felony, and possible penalties include fines up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of 1 to 12 years, a portion of which may be served as probation.

THEFT

Theft can be described as the act of taking someone else's property unlawfully, without any intention of giving it back. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-103:

"A person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner of the property, the person knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without the owner's effective consent."

Tennessee classifies theft of property as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property stolen. Possible penalties for theft of property in Tennessee include:

Property Value at $1,000 or Less

• Charges: Class A misdemeanor

• Fines: Up to $2,500

• Prison Sentence: Up to 12 months

Property Value between $1,000 and $2,500

• Charges: Class E felony

• Fines: Up to $3,000

• Prison Sentence: Between 1 and 6 years

Property Value between $2,500 and $10,000

• Charges: Class D felony

• Fines: Up to $5,000

• Prison Sentence: Between 2 and 12 years

Property Value between $10,000 and $60,000

• Charges: Class C felony

• Fines: Up to $10,000

• Prison Sentence: Between 3 and 15 years

Property Value between $60,000 and $250,000

• Charges: Class B felony

• Fines: Up to $25,000.00

• Prison Sentence: Between 8 and 30 years

Property Value at $250,000 or more

• Charges: Class A felony

• Fines: Up to $50,000

• Prison Sentence: Between 15 and 60 years

GET HELP FROM AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Property crimes in Tennessee often result in misdemeanor or felony charges. If convicted, the defendant could be facing lengthy prison time, substantial fines, a criminal record, and other social ramifications. When defending property crime charges, it is important to have a strong and comprehensive defense strategy that fits your particular situation.

At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we are dedicated to defending individuals who are facing property crimes charges. As experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorneys, our team will review every aspect of your case, conduct a comprehensive, private investigation, and determine a strategic course of action. We will fight vigorously to defend your rights and refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence.