Knoxville Theft Crime Lawyer

Defending Against Theft Crime Charges in Tennessee

After being charged with any type of theft crime, emotions of regret and humiliation are likely just the start of what you will be feeling as the judicial process begins. At the Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz, we can help you eliminate some of the stressful aspects of your case so that the focus can be on aggressively defending your freedom. Facing the charge of theft will not be an easy experience, which is why you should obtain the attentive and personalized assistance of our Knoxville theft defense lawyer.

If you are facing charges for a theft crime in Tennessee, contact our Knoxville theft defense attorney online or call (865) 896-9971 to discuss your options today. 

Understanding Theft Charges in Tennessee

Theft offense cases, whether charged as misdemeanors or felonies, can be very intense. The severity of your case will greatly depend on the amount of goods or services that have been allegedly stolen. In the state of Tennessee, theft crimes are considered misdemeanors if the amount of goods stolen is $1,000 or less. Theft of an amount greater than $1,000 will be classified as a felony.

Misdemeanor theft is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Felony theft penalties vary based on the value of property or services that were stolen. On one end, a Class E felony theft (where more than $500 was stolen, but less than $1,000) is punishable by a prison term of 1-6 years and a fine of up to $3,000. On the most severe end, a Class B felony theft (where the stolen property was valued at $60,000 or more) is punishable by 8-30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Some of the most common theft crimes that our clients face include:

• Larceny
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Forgery
• Petit theft
• Grand theft
• Auto theft
• Embezzlement

In some cases, white collar crimes are also classified as theft. Theft of property involves knowingly obtaining or taking control of property without the owner's consent. Theft of services refers to fraudulent or deceptive practices that result from receiving services without paying full value. Regardless of the charge you face, our Knoxville theft crime attorney can fight for your freedom and create a strong defense strategy. We can challenge the elements of the case and evidence submitted against you by the prosecution using information gained from a detailed investigation of our own.

What are the Penalties for Theft Offenses in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the penalties for theft depend on the value of the property or services that were stolen. Possible classifications and penalties for theft in Tennessee include:

• Class A misdemeanor ($1,000 or less): punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and/or up to 11 months and 29 days imprisonment
• Class E felony (over $1,000 but less than $2,500): punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and one to six years imprisonment
• Class D felony ($2,500 or more but less than $10,000): punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and two to 12 years imprisonment
• Class C felony ($10,000 or more but less than $60,000): punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and three to 15 years imprisonment
• Class B felony ($60,000 or more but less than $250,000): punishable by up to a $25,000 fine and eight to 30 years imprisonment
• Class A felony ($250,000 or more): punishable by up to a $50,000 fine and 15 to 60 years imprisonment

Common Defenses To Theft Charges In Knoxville

Many people assume that a theft arrest automatically leads to a conviction, but several defenses may apply depending on the facts of your case. We carefully review the evidence, the way law enforcement handled the investigation, and your side of the story to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's claims. In Knox County courts, issues such as mistaken identity, unreliable eyewitness accounts, or gaps in surveillance footage can create reasonable doubt about what actually happened.

In some situations, we may argue that you had a good-faith belief that you had the right to possess or use the property, or that there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner of their belongings. Other defenses may focus on challenging the value of the property, which can affect whether the case is treated as a misdemeanor or felony under Tennessee law. When you work with a theft attorney, we also look closely at whether your constitutional rights were respected during searches, seizures, and questioning, and we move to suppress evidence if those rights were violated.

For first-time offenders in Knoxville, we can often explore alternatives to a traditional conviction, such as diversion programs or negotiated resolutions that may help protect your record and future employment prospects. Judges in Knox County Criminal Court and General Sessions Court may consider your background, work history, and willingness to make restitution when deciding what options are appropriate. Our goal is to help you understand every available path forward so that you can make informed decisions about how to resolve the charges against you.