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Experienced Murfreesboro Area Theft and Robbery Defense Attorneys Fight to Protect Your Rights

Theft and robbery are serious offenses that will stay on your record

When you are accused of taking something which does not belong to you, it is a serious, often confusing situation. Often, the situation leading to the accusation is complex and not easy to explain. If you are arrested, law enforcement can and will use tactics designed to elicit statements which fit the elements of the crimes of theft and robbery. When facing accusations, investigation, or arrest, or any other part of the legal process, know your rights. Most importantly, let the Murfreesboro theft and robbery defense attorneys at Pate & Knott educate you regarding the law and your legal options. The experienced, compassionate attorneys at Pate & Knott have helped those in Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas with strong knowledge and advocacy, and are prepared to do the same for you.

What is theft and what are the potential penalties?

In Tennessee, theft is a felony if the property or services stolen exceed $500.00. Theft of property is established when a person: (1) intends to take property which is not theirs; (2) actually and intentionally takes that property; and (3) did so without the consent of the owner of the property.  Theft of services occurs when a person: (1) intentionally obtains services by deception, fraud, coercion, false pretense or any other means to avoid payment for the services; (2) has control of the services and intentionally diverts the benefit of those services to themselves or another not entitled to the services; or (3) knowingly absconds from establishments where compensation for services is normally paid immediately upon rendering them, such as hotels, motels, and restaurants.

Theft between $500.01 and $999.99 is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Theft between $1,000.00 and $9,999.99 is a Class D felony punishable by 2-12 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Theft of $10,000.00 to $59,999.99 is a Class C felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Theft of $60,000.00 to $119,999.99 is a Class B felony punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Theft of $120,000.00 or more is a Class A felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison, plus up to $50,000 in fines and probation.

Critically, the consolidation of theft offenses under Tennessee law is meant to cover traditional criminal offenses such as embezzlement, false pretense, fraudulent conversion, and larceny. Such offenses are generally considered crimes of dishonesty and, if proven, may be used against you in a future legal proceeding to discredit your character. Therefore, a theft conviction is harmful to both your freedom and your future. The experienced attorneys at Pate & Knott will represent your best interest when facing a theft charge.

What is robbery and what are the potential penalties?

In Tennessee, robbery occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly takes property from another person by putting fear into that person. However, there are varying, more-severe forms of robbery. Aggravated robbery is robbery which occurs when a person: (1) accomplishes the robbery with a deadly weapon, or what the victim believes is a deadly weapon; or (2) causes serious bodily harm to the victim. Especially aggravated robbery occurs when a person: (1) accomplished a robbery with a deadly weapon; and (2) the victim suffers serious bodily injury.

Robbery is a Class C felony and is punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Aggravated robbery is a Class B felony punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison, plus probation and fines. Especially aggravated felony is a Class A felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison, plus fines and probation. It is also worth noting that Tennessee treats carjacking as a form of robbery commensurate with aggravated robbery as a Class B felony.

Contact our knowledgeable Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys for a zealous defense if you are facing theft or robbery charges

Theft and robbery – in whatever degree or class of felony – are serious charges which can lead to serious time and lifelong problems. When you are facing these charges, the attorneys at Pate & Knott believe that your rights, your future, and your side of the story matter. The Tennessee criminal defense attorneys at Pate & Knott are here to serve those accused of theft and robbery in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas.  To schedule a  confidential case evaluation, contact our law office at 615-848-1221 or contact us online.

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The Firm of Pate and Knott charges no fee for the initial consultation regarding personal injury cases, including automobile/truck/motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents or any other type of accident caused by a third party. Call us at (615) 848-1221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Murfreesboro office. Evening and Saturday appointments available.

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