Knoxville Theft Defense Lawyers Fight for Your Rights
Aggressively defending clients throughout the Maryville, Sevierville, Clinton, Lenoir City & Loudon areas
Most people are aware that theft crimes carry stiff penalties. What you may not know is that, in addition to jail time and fines, you may also experience problems in your personal and professional life. Many employers, especially those in the financial industry, may be reluctant to hire someone convicted of theft.
At Banks and Jones, we understand the repercussions that a theft crime conviction can have on your life. Our lawyers practice all over the state of Tennessee, and we don’t play it safe — we’re willing to take risks when they benefit you. Our Knoxville legal team fights hard to protect your reputation and your freedom.
Common types of theft charges in Tennessee
There are, to put it mildly, a lot of theft charges. Depending on the exact circumstances of your case, you could be charged by the state of Tennessee or by the federal government. Most of them fall into three categories:
- Larceny, or the taking of someone else’s property without his or her consent
- Burglary, or the unlawful entering of a structure
- Robbery, or larceny by force
Each of these categories comes with its own sub-set of theft crimes, too, like aggravated robbery or shoplifting (which is larceny), or grand theft auto, which is an actual crime and not just the name of a video game.
And then, of course, there are all the “white collar” theft crimes: fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering (which is tangentially related), Ponzi schemes, etc.
What penalties do you face for a conviction of theft charges?
Tennessee law explains that a person commits theft when, with the intent to deprive an owner of property, he or she knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without consent from the owner. Whether the state charges you with a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the value of the item(s) or services stolen. For example:
- $1000 or less: Class A misdemeanor
- $1000–$2,500: Class E felony
- $2,500–$10,000: Class D felony
- $10,000–$60,000: Class C felony
- $60,000–$250,000: Class B felony
- $250,000 or more: Class A felony
Also, Tennessee differentiates between the theft of property and the theft of services. For example, stealing Internet service by means of fraud or deceit is a theft of services. If the services stolen were valued at $500 or less, you would face a Class A misdemeanor charge. If you or your loved one is facing any type of theft charges, seek help from a competent criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible.
When is theft considered a violent crime?
Robbery is a violent theft crime that involves the intentional or knowing theft of property from another person through violence. However, the police may also arrest you for robbery if you use threats of violence or force to steal. For example, if you pull a knife on someone and demand money, even if you do not physically harm the victim, the prosecution can charge you with robbery. If the police arrest you for robbery, you may be charged with a Class C, Class B or Class A felony, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
| Assault | Driving under the influence | Drug crimes |
| Criminal Defense | Juvenile crimes | Homicide |
| Rape | Reckless driving | Robbery |
| Theft | White collar crimes | Felonies vs. Misdemeanors |
| Rape | White-Collar Crimes |
Contact a team of defense attorneys in Knoxville with experience handling theft cases
Have you been arrested for a theft crime? With our help at Banks and Jones, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. For more information on our services, call 865-546-2141 or fill out our contact form. Free parking is available, and our office is located within a quarter mile of every major thoroughfare in Knoxville.
