THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN KNOXVILLE & FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, in 2018, there were about 191,279 reported incidents of property crimes in Tennessee. Of these, nearly 137,708 were larceny-theft cases. In Tennessee, theft crimes may include theft of property or services, robbery, racketeering, or burglary. If convicted, a defendant could be facing substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and other devastating social ramifications, depending on the value of the property or services stolen.

If you're facing theft charges or if you are under investigation for a theft crime, it is crucial that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled Tennessee criminal law attorney immediately to outline your defense strategy. At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we're dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to clients in matters of criminal law, property crimes, and theft. Our attorneys will fight vigorously to defend your rights and determine an effective defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

The Law Office of Joshua S. Reed proudly serves clients in Knoxville, Farragut, and counties throughout East Tennessee, including but not limited to Knox, Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Sevier, and Union Counties.

THEFT UNDER TENNESSEE LAW

Theft is a broad term used to qualify different types of crimes that involve stealing or taking something which belongs to another person with the intent to deprive the victim of the property or item. Under Tennessee law, the crime of theft may be categorized into two - theft of property and theft of services.

THEFT OF PROPERTY

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."

THEFT OF SERVICES

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-104, a person commits theft of services when he or she:

• Intentionally obtains services by deception, coercion, fraud, false statement, forgery, false pretense, or any other deceptive means to avoid paying for such services.

• Has control over the disposition of services to others and knowingly diverts those services to their own benefit or to the benefit of another not entitled.

• Intentionally absconds from an organization where compensation for services is paid immediately after receiving such services, without paying.

POSSIBLE PENALTIES FOR THEFT CHARGES

In Tennessee, the punishment for theft charges usually depends on the amount or value of the property or services taken and the surrounding circumstances. If convicted, possible penalties include:

• Property or Services Valued at $500 or Less: This is a Class A misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. (TCA §40-35-111 (e) (1)).

• Property or Services Valued Between $500 and $1,000: This is a Class E felony. Punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of not more than $3,000. (TCA §40-35-111 (b) (5)).

• Property or Services Valued Between $1,000 and $10,000: This is a Class D felony. Punishable by 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. (TCA §40-35-111 (b) (4)).

• Property or Services Valued Between $10,000 and $60,000: This is a Class C felony. Punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and a fine of not more than $10,000. (TCA §40-35-111 (b) (3)).

• Property or Services Valued Between $60,000 and $250,000: This is a Class B felony. Punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. (TCA §40-35-111 (b) (2)).

• Property or Services Valued at $250,000 or more: This is a Class A felony. Punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine of not more than $50,000. (TCA §40-35-111 (b) (1)).

COMMON THEFT DEFENSES

When facing theft allegations, your attorney may attempt to fight your charges using any one of the following defenses:

• The owner consented

• Acted under the honest claim of right to the property or service involved

• The property was not, in fact, stolen

• Lack of intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property

• The rightful owner might have lost the property

• Planned to search for the rightful owner and return their property

• Acted in the honest belief that the owner would have consented

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEY
IN KNOXVILLE & FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE

Trying to defend your theft charges on your own could easily expose you to the possibility of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. Depending on the value of the property or services that have been taken, a convicted defendant could face a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and other social consequences. Hence, when facing theft allegations, having a knowledgeable Tennessee criminal defense attorney on your side is important to protect your rights and strategize a strong defense.

At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, our attorneys have devoted their careers to defending clients in a wide range of theft cases. As your legal counsel, we will investigate every detail of your case and determine an effective defense strategy that fits your particular situation. Our team will work vigorously to defend your rights and fight the charges against you with overwhelming evidence in pursuit of a favorable outcome. Let us help you navigate the challenging waters of the Tennessee criminal justice system and help protect your freedom.