Theft Charges in Tennessee

Theft charges in Tennessee can range from shoplifting a few items to felony-level accusations involving thousands of dollars in property. Whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony, a conviction can seriously affect your record, your job, and your future, which is why working with an experienced Nashville criminal lawyer is so important.​

How Tennessee defines theft

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39‑14‑103, a person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner of the property, they knowingly obtain or exercise control over that property without the owner’s effective consent. This covers a wide range of situations, including:​

• Shoplifting from retail stores

• Taking money or property from employers, friends, or family

• Keeping property that was “borrowed” but never returned

• Theft of services, such as walking out on a bill or using services without paying​

Nashville theft cases can also involve related offenses such as theft of services, identity theft, credit card fraud, auto theft, and receiving or possessing stolen property. A Nashville criminal attorney can identify exactly which theft statute applies to your situation.​

Misdemeanor vs. felony theft: value matters

Tennessee grades theft primarily by the value of the property or services, and that value determines whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony under § 39‑14‑105. While the Legislature has adjusted thresholds in recent years, the general structure is:​

• Class A misdemeanor theft: For lower-value property or services (commonly $1,000 or less), punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.​

• Class E felony theft: For higher values (for example, property over $1,000 and up to a defined threshold), with exposure up to 1–6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.​

• Class D, C, B, and A felony theft: As the value increases, felony levels escalate, with possible prison ranges from 2–60 years and fines that can reach $50,000 for the highest-value thefts.​

Even a “small” shoplifting case is still a criminal offense that can leave a permanent record, and once the value crosses the felony line, the stakes increase dramatically. A Nashville criminal lawyer can explain which value band applies and whether the State’s valuation can be challenged.

Consequences of a theft conviction

Beyond jail or prison, a theft conviction in Tennessee can carry long-term consequences that many people do not realize at the outset:

• A permanent record for a crime of dishonesty, which can make it harder to find or keep jobs, especially in positions of trust or handling money.​

• Restitution obligations to repay alleged victims, in addition to fines and court costs.​

• Problems obtaining professional licenses, housing, or loans, and more severe treatment in any future criminal case.​

Because theft is viewed as a crime of trust, even one conviction can follow you much longer than the court case itself.

How Nashville criminal attorneys defend theft charges

A strong theft defense begins with a careful review of the facts and evidence. A Nashville criminal attorney can:

• Analyze surveillance video, receipts, inventory records, digital data, and witness statements for inconsistencies or mistakes.​

• Challenge whether you actually intended to deprive the owner—for example, in cases involving misunderstandings, mistakes at self‑checkout, or disputes over ownership.​

• Dispute the value of the property or services to keep the case in a lower theft grade or misdemeanor range when possible.​

• Explore alternatives such as diversion, restitution-based resolutions, shoplifting programs, or other agreements that can lead to dismissal or expungement for eligible first‑time offenders.​

The goal is to protect your record, reduce or avoid jail time, and limit the long-term impact on your life.

Talk to a Nashville criminal lawyer about your theft case

If you have been charged with theft in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee—whether it is shoplifting, theft from an employer, theft of services, or a felony theft of property—do not navigate the process alone. Early decisions about statements, plea offers, and restitution can change your outcome.

A Nashville criminal attorney at Shipman & Crim can explain your charges under Tennessee theft law, review the evidence, and develop a strategy tailored to your case, whether that means fighting the accusation, negotiating a reduction, or pursuing a resolution that protects your future as much as possible.