Murfreesboro Theft Crime Attorney

Aggressive Legal Representation for Misdemeanor & Felony Theft Offenses

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Whether you have been accused of shoplifting a small item from a local Murfreesboro retail store or are facing more serious felony theft allegations, it is vital to seek representation from an experienced and trusted Tennessee theft crime lawyer. Even a conviction for a minor petty theft can have serious ramifications for your life and future. Your reputation will be damaged and your future will be limited by a criminal conviction. Unfortunately, a criminal record can make finding future employment and housing difficult as well as make you ineligible for certain career and educational benefits, such as professional licenses and educational financial aid.

You can fight these ramifications with the help of an attorney who thoroughly understands Tennessee theft laws, who is a strong and dedicated fighter in court for his clients, and who is backed up by his successful handling of thousands of cases in the criminal justice system. Attorney Auffinger is experienced in representing clients in and around Murfreesboro in all types of theft crimes, including those involving receiving stolen property, taking property without permission, and obtaining property by deception. He will investigate your case from all angles and use his knowledge and resources to review and analyze your situation to determine how best to defend you against the charges.

Get reputable legal help from a Murfreesboro theft crime lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Michael Auffinger online or at (615) 258-6575 for a case evaluation.

Theft Crime Laws in Tennessee

How you are charged in any Tennessee theft crime depends on various factors. These include the exact nature of the crime, the value of the goods or services taken, your criminal background, if any, and other circumstances. For example, shoplifting is considered petty theft of property or goods that are valued at $500 or less, which is a misdemeanor. It carries up to a year in jail and/or $2,500 in fines. However, if you shoplift an item valued more than this, you will likely face felony charges. Even a petty shoplifting conviction can cause future employers to be unwilling to hire you, which is why having an experienced shoplifting attorney in your corner is important.

Besides shoplifting, Tennessee theft crimes can include:

• Burglary
• Vehicle theft
• Embezzlement
• Robbery
• Forgery
• Other types of petty theft
• Grand theft

Basically, theft involves taking items, property, or services from another without permission and with the intention of depriving the owner. It also includes using deceit, coercion, false pretenses or statements, or fraud to obtain services. For example, leaving a restaurant without paying for your bill qualifies as theft of services.

What is Felony Theft in Tennessee?

Basically, Tennessee theft crimes are classified based on the value of whatever was stolen. Misdemeanor theft is based on stealing property or services valued at $1,000 or less.

Felony theft includes the following:

• Class E felony theft: property or services valued between $1,000 up to $2,500, punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000
• Class D felony theft: property or services valued between $2,500 up to $10,000, punishable by a prison sentence of two to 12 years and a fine of up to $5,000
• Class C felony theft: property or services valued between $10,000 up to $60,000, punishable by a prison sentence of three to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class B felony theft: property or services valued between $60,000 up to $250,000, punishable by a prison sentence of eight to 30 years and a fine of up to $25,000
• Class A felony theft: property or services valued at $250,000 or more, punishable by a prison sentence of 15 to 60 years and a fine of up to $50,000.

For those convicted of Tennessee misdemeanor theft, you may be eligible for sentencing alternatives, such as simply paying restitution to the victims, being fined only without jail time, receiving a suspended sentence, and being put on probation in lieu of jail time with community service hour requirements. As a seasoned theft law attorney in your local Murfreesboro courts, Attorney Auffinger can work on your behalf to obtain such alternatives should they apply to your case.

Take Advantage of the Commitment & Experience at the Law Office of Michael Auffinger

Preserving your reputation and future is vitally important when facing theft allegations. Even if the alleged stolen property had a minimal value, it does not mean you won’t face prosecution that could leave you with a permanent criminal record. In all cases of alleged theft, as a seasoned criminal defender in local Tennessee courts, Attorney Auffinger will work aggressively on your behalf to help you avoid or reduce charges and minimize penalties wherever possible.

To learn more about how Attorney Auffinger can help you, contact the firm online or call (615) 258-6575 today.