Shoplifting Charges in Tennessee
It is important to remember that in Tennessee, shoplifting is a serious offense and a shoplifting arrest could lead to significant legal consequences. By understanding the potential penalties attached to shoplifting, you can enter into any legal situation better informed and more capable of understanding the best steps for protecting your rights. This article is meant to be a brief introduction to shoplifting laws and potential consequences in Tennessee.
Shoplifting in Tennessee
Tennessee law classifies shoplifting as theft. Accordingly, this criminal act is governed by Tennessee Code Section 39-14-103, which deals with criminal offenses.
According to Tennessee law, a chargeable “theft” occurs if a person either knowingly obtains, or exercises control over, somebody else’s property both without the owner’s consent and with the intention of depriving the owner of their property.
Shoplifting, specifically, will involve a person either attempting to take, or actually taking, merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for the merchandise. The way this is accomplished can be many-sided. Shoplifting does not, for instance, solely involve a person taking merchandise without paying for it. Shoplifting charges can come to someone who alters price tags, transfers items to different packaging, attempts to conceal merchandise with the intention to steal it, etc.
Shoplifting Charge Classifications
The classification of a charge assigned to shoplifting in Tennessee is going to vary depending on the value of the merchandise at issue. The theft charge will be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with charge severity increasing as the value of the goods at issue increases.
- Class A Misdemeanor: If the value of the merchandise at issue is $1,000 or less, the offense will be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor can result in penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
- Class E Felony: If the value of the merchandise at issue is more than $1,000 but less than $2,500, the offense will be classified as a Class E felony. The penalties for this type of felony can include prison sentences of one year to six years, and fines of up to $3,000.
- Class D Felony: If the value of the merchandise at issue is more than $2,500 but less than $10,000, the offense would be a Class D felony. This can lead to prison sentences of two to twelve years, and fines of up to $5,000.
- Class C Felony: If the value of the merchandise at issue is more than $10,000 but less than $60,000, the offense would be classified as a Class C felony. The penalties could include three to fifteen years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
- Class B Felony: If the value of the merchandise at issue is more than $60,000 but less than $250,000, it would be a Class B felony. The penalties could include eight to thirty years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Contact Fort, Holloway & Rogers
If you are accused of shoplifting in Tennessee, remember: an accusation is not a conviction. There are many defenses to shoplifting that experienced criminal defense attorneys at Fort, Holloway & Rogers can discuss with you. Call our experienced and successful Franklin criminal defense attorneys if you find yourself charged with any misdemeanor or felony offense in Williamson County.
Sources:
newschannel5.com/news/coming-back-to-apologize-tennessee-shop-owner-teaches-teens-lesson-on-shoplifting
wate.com/news/top-stories/maryville-chef-accused-of-shoplifting-meat-in-multiple-cities-for-restaurant/
