Covington Theft Crime Attorneys

Experienced Defense Against Theft Crime Charges in Tennessee

Being charged with a theft crime can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. You may be facing serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. At Huffman Mason, PLLC, we understand the fear and anxiety you may be feeling, and we are here to help. Our Covington theft crime lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can provide the strong legal representation you need. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, call (901) 295-0100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

Understanding Theft Laws in Tennessee

Theft is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of criminal offenses. In general, theft involves taking someone else’s property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. However, the specific elements of a theft crime will vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Some of the most common theft crimes include:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Shoplifting
• Carjacking
• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Receiving stolen property

It is important to note that theft crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value of the property involved and the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the more valuable the property, the more serious the charges will be.

What Constitutes Theft in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, theft is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 39-14-103 as the intentional taking of someone else's property without their consent and with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. This can include a wide range of actions, from physically taking an item to deceiving someone into giving up their property. The key elements that constitute theft in Tennessee are:

• Intentional Taking: The action must be deliberate. Accidentally taking someone’s property does not constitute theft.
• Without Consent: The property must be taken without the owner's permission.
• Intent to Deprive: The person taking the property must intend to permanently deprive the owner of it. This can include selling, hiding, or otherwise disposing of the property so that the owner cannot reclaim it.

The severity of the theft charge can vary based on the value of the property taken:

• Petty Theft: Typically involves property valued at $1,000 or less. It is generally charged as a misdemeanor.
• Grand Theft: Involves property valued over $1,000. Depending on the value, this can range from a Class E felony to a Class A felony, with varying degrees of punishment.

Other specific types of theft recognized in Tennessee include:

• Theft of Services: Obtaining services, such as utilities or professional services, by deception or without payment.
• Theft by Fraud: Using deceit or trickery to acquire someone else’s property.
• Theft by Extortion: Obtaining property through threats of harm or other forms of coercion.

Penalties for theft in Tennessee can range from fines and probation for lesser offenses to significant prison time for higher-value thefts or repeat offenders. As with any legal matter, the specific circumstances of the case can greatly affect the outcome.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Tennessee

The penalties for a theft crime conviction in Tennessee will depend on the specific charges and the circumstances of the case. In general, the more valuable the property, the more serious the charges will be. Additionally, if the theft involved the use of a weapon or if the defendant has prior theft convictions, the penalties will be more severe.

Some of the most common penalties for theft crimes include:

• Restitution
• Fines
• Probation
• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension

For theft offenses where the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000, it is generally considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines, probation, and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. As the value of the stolen property increases, theft charges can escalate to higher classes of misdemeanors or even felonies, carrying more severe consequences.

For theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, it is considered a felony offense, with penalties that may include imprisonment for one year or more, fines, and restitution to the victim.

Tennessee law also takes into account factors such as prior convictions, the use of weapons, and theft from certain locations, which can enhance the severity of the penalties.

Given the potential long-term consequences of theft convictions, individuals facing such charges in Tennessee should seek legal counsel promptly to build a robust defense and mitigate the potential repercussions.

Strategies for Defending Against Theft Charges

Defending against theft charges in Tennessee requires a strategic approach, considering the unique circumstances of each case. Several defenses may be employed to challenge theft allegations and seek favorable outcomes:

• Lack of Intent: One fundamental element of theft charges is intent. If it can be demonstrated that the accused did not have the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property, it can serve as a strong defense.

• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, individuals may be wrongly accused due to mistaken identity. Providing evidence that the accused was not the person involved in the alleged theft can be a powerful defense.

• Owner's Consent: If the accused had the owner's consent to take the property, it can serve as a valid defense. Consent may be expressed or implied, and demonstrating this fact can be critical to the case.

• Claim of Right: If the accused genuinely believed they had a legal claim or right to the property, it could serve as a defense. This defense hinges on the sincere belief, even if mistaken, that the accused had a legitimate right to take the property.

• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced or coerced the accused into committing the theft, it may be considered entrapment, providing a viable defense.

• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence, such as disputing the value of the stolen property or casting doubt on the reliability of witnesses, can be instrumental in building a defense.

Local Support for Theft Charges in Covington, Tennessee

At Huffman Mason, PLLC, we understand that facing theft charges in Covington can be particularly challenging due to the unique aspects of our local community.

Covington, being the county seat of Tipton County, has its own set of local ordinances and community standards that can impact the handling of theft cases. We are well-versed in navigating these local nuances to provide you with the best possible defense.

Residents of Covington often interact with local government entities such as the Covington Police Department and the Tipton County Sheriff's Office. These agencies are responsible for investigating and prosecuting theft crimes in our area.

While we do not partner with these entities, our familiarity with their procedures and protocols allows us to anticipate and effectively counter their strategies.

High-Quality Defense for Clients

One common issue for Covington residents is the potential for theft charges to disrupt their daily lives. Whether it's a misunderstanding at a local business or a more serious accusation, the impact on your reputation and life can be significant. Our team is committed to minimizing these disruptions by providing a robust defense tailored to the specifics of your situation.

We also recognize that Covington's close community means that news of legal troubles can spread quickly. This can add an extra layer of stress for those facing theft charges. Our attorneys are dedicated to handling your case with the utmost discretion and professionalism, ensuring that your privacy is protected throughout the legal process.

By choosing Huffman Mason, PLLC, you are selecting a team that truly understands Covington and its residents. We can help you navigate the complexities of theft charges with confidence and care.

Contact Us Today

Navigating theft charges in Tennessee demands a thorough understanding of state laws and a careful analysis of the specific circumstances surrounding the case. Seeking legal counsel from experienced Covington theft crime attorneys promptly is crucial to developing a strong defense tailored to the unique aspects of the situation.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, call (901) 295-0100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.