Collierville Defense Lawyers Fight Property Crime Charges
Shelby County law firm represents people accused of burglary and theft
Conviction of a property-related crime can bring serious consequences, such as jail or prison time, fines, restitution payments, probation and loss of civil liberties. At Collierville Law Firm, we stand up aggressively in defense of individuals accused of theft and burglary in Tennessee. Our defense lawyer has a successful track record of achieving advantageous results for clients in felony and misdemeanor cases.
Understanding property crimes in Tennessee
Theft and burglary are two types of property crime. Theft is the taking of someone else’s property without their permission. It can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony. Burglary is unlawfully entering or remaining in a building or habitation for the purpose of committing theft, assault or another felony crime. A person can be convicted of burglary even though they never completed the crime if prosecutors can prove intent was there. Whatever property crime you are charged with, you can trust a criminal defense attorney from our law firm to work vigorously to get you the best possible resolution.
Theft crimes
The degree of a theft crime is based on the value of the property or services stolen. Here is a breakdown of the crimes and the possible jail or prison terms and fines:
Value of $1,000 or less — Class A misdemeanor: up to 11.5 months; $2,500 fine
Between $1,000 and $2,500 — Class E felony: one to two years; $3,000 fine
Between $2,500 and $10,000 — Class D felony: two to four years; $5,000 fine
Between $10,000 and $60,000 — Class C felony: three to six years; $10,000 fine
Between $60,000 and $250,000 — Class B felony: eight to 12 years; $25,000 fine
Value of $250,000 or higher — Class A felony: 15 to 25 years; $50,000 fine
The listed incarceration periods are for first offenses. These terms increase dramatically for defendants with prior convictions.
Burglary crimes
There are three main categories of burglary under Tennessee law:
- Burglary — Unlawfully entering a building that is not a home or dwelling with intent to commit a crime (Class D felony)
- Aggravated burglary — Unlawfully entering a habitation with intent to commit a crime, even if the home is unoccupied (Class C felony)
- Especially aggravated burglary — Unlawfully entering a building with intent to commit a crime, as a result of which an individual lawfully on the premises is seriously injured (Class B felony)
Penalties for these felony crimes range from up to 12 years in prison for burglary to up to 30 years in prison for especially aggravated burglary.
Experienced defense strategies for property crime charges
Once we learn the specific facts of your case, we will determine how to fashion the most appropriate defense, which can include any of the following:
- Insufficient evidence
- Illegal search and seizure by police
- Lack of intent
- Belief in property ownership or consent from owner to take it
- Mistaken identity
- Chain of custody error in handling evidence
- Coercion or duress
When we handle your case, our top goal will be to attain the most favorable outcome, whether that is through acquittal or through reduction of charge or sentence.
Contact an experienced attorney when you are charged with a property crime
At Collierville Law Firm in Tennessee, our defense attorney provides effective representation for individuals who have been arrested for theft and burglary. Call us at 901-614-0318 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.