If convicted, any charge of theft can have serious, long-term consequences. There are many employers that will not hire an individual with a theft charge on their record. Our attorneys fight hard to try resolve these cases in such a way that the person will not end up with a theft conviction on their record. Call us today and let us help guide you through this process.
Classification and Penalties for Theft in Tennessee
Tennessee classifies theft offenses according to the value of the property or services involved in the offense.
Theft Amount – Classification – Possible Penalties if Convicted
Tennessee classifies theft offenses according to the value of the property or services involved in the offense.
Theft Amount – Classification – Possible Penalties if Convicted
- $1,000 or less – Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 11 mo./29 days in jail. Up to $2,500 fine
- $1,000 - $2,500 – Class E Felony – 1–6 years in jail. Up to $3,000 fine
- $2,500 – $10,000 – Class D Felony – 2-12 years in jail. Up to $5,000 fine
- $10,000-$60,000 – Class C Felony – 3-15 years in jail. Up to $10,000 fine
- 60,000-$250,000 – Class B Felony – 8-30 years in jail. Up to $25,000 fine
- $250,000 or more – Class A Felony – 15-60 years in jail. Up to $50,000 fine
Misdemeanor Charge of Theft of Property < $1,000 (aka Shoplifting)
This is the most common of these theft offenses. For a first-time offender, there may be some creative options available to resolve this charge. If the amount is under $100, the prosecutor may agree to one of the following:
Anyone without prior convictions would also be a candidate for Diversion. For the misdemeanor charge this would be for 11 months and 29 days and upon successful completion of Diversion, the charge would be dismissed and eligible for expungement from the public record.
This is the most common of these theft offenses. For a first-time offender, there may be some creative options available to resolve this charge. If the amount is under $100, the prosecutor may agree to one of the following:
- A Theft Cessation Class
- Merchant’s Restitution – Involves making restitution 2X the amount of the stolen goods. This requires the merchant to also agree to this.
- A donation to charity 2X the amount of the stolen goods
Anyone without prior convictions would also be a candidate for Diversion. For the misdemeanor charge this would be for 11 months and 29 days and upon successful completion of Diversion, the charge would be dismissed and eligible for expungement from the public record.
For all theft charges, there are a multitude of factors that will be considered in sentencing. These include factors such as the following:
- Prior arrest record
- Any Co-defendants (their record may also impact your case)
- Number of victims
- Any violence involved or attempts to evade arrest
There are other types of theft charges including:
- Forgery
- Burglary
- Robbery or Aggravated Robbery
- Embezzlement
- Identity Theft
- Tenncare Fraud
