Theft Crimes A Team Who Will Tenaciously Defend You Every Step of the Way

Nashville Theft Attorneys

Serving Mount Juliet, Franklin, Brentwood & the Surrounding Areas

May McKinney defends people who have been charged with theft crimes in Nashville and throughout the surrounding areas of Tennessee. When your freedom and reputation are on the line, our theft crime lawyers in Nashville, TN can work diligently to combat the charges against you, protect your rights, and keep you out of jail.

With nearly 80 years of combined legal experience, our Nashville attorneys have extensive knowledge of the law and criminal procedure, especially regarding search and seizure law. Search and seizure violations can play a critical role in any case involving missing property or money, and we can use any flaws in the prosecution's case to potentially get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

Call (615) 265-6383 today for a free consultation with our Nashville theft crime attorneys!

Tennessee Theft Laws

Theft is a term that can widely describe various crimes of stealing property without permission. Because the word theft has a broad legal meaning that encompasses various degrees of offenses, it is important to know the exact definitions and punishments for each type of theft in Tennessee.

Tennessee theft laws say it is illegal to take property without consent. But the laws go into great detail in terms of classification and penalties. Tennessee statutes classify theft crimes according to the value of the property in question. Here are the different levels of theft and their corresponding punishments.

Misdemeanor & Felony Theft Crimes in TN

The worth of the item allegedly stolen will determine whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime. Stealing property worth $500 or less is considered petty theft in Tennessee, which is a misdemeanor offense. However, taking property worth more than $500 is deemed to be grand theft, a felony offense.

Class A Misdemeanor

Theft is a Class A misdemeanor, or petty theft, when the property is worth $500 or less. The maximum punishment includes a fine of $2,500 and incarceration for 11 months and 29 days.

Class E Felony

Theft becomes a felony when the property has a value between $500 and $1,000. The maximum punishment includes a fine of $3,000 and incarceration lasting between one year and six years.

Class D Felony

The next degree of theft occurs when the property is worth between $1,000 and $10,000. The maximum punishment includes a fine of $5,000 and incarceration lasting between two years and 12 years.

Class C Felony

Theft is a Class C felony if it involves property valued between $10,000 and $60,000. The maximum punishment includes a fine of $10,000 and incarceration lasting between three years and 15 years.

Class B Felony

The highest level of theft occurs with property valued at $60,000 or more. The maximum punishment includes a fine of $25,000 and incarceration lasting between eight years and 30 years.

Types of Theft Cases We Handle

Our Nashville theft crime lawyers defend clients accused of a wide range of theft offenses, including:

Petty larceny
Grand larceny
Burglary
Carjacking/auto theft
Robbery/aggravated robbery
Shoplifting
Writing bad checks
Bribery
Embezzlement
Forgery
Extortion
Financial fraud
Insider trading
Money laundering
Counterfeiting

Local Support for Larceny Charges in Nashville and Surrounding Areas

At May McKinney, we understand the unique challenges faced by residents of Nashville, Mount Juliet, Franklin, and Brentwood when dealing with larceny charges. Our deep-rooted knowledge of the local legal landscape allows us to provide tailored defense strategies that resonate with the community's needs.

Residents of these areas often face specific issues such as property crimes in high-traffic commercial zones or residential thefts in suburban neighborhoods. We are well-versed in addressing these local pain points and can navigate the complexities of larceny charges effectively.

Whether you're dealing with petty larceny or grand larceny, our Nashville theft attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to our neighbors in Nashville and the surrounding areas.

Contact our Nashville theft crime lawyers at (615) 265-6383 for a free consultation today!

Representation for Theft Charges in Nashville, TN

It may help those who are facing theft charges to understand what they are up against. However, it is important to know that burglary and robbery are separate offenses under Tennessee law. Therefore, depending on the details of a case, the potential punishments may be different. It is also possible for owners of property to seek civil penalties for theft, especially in the case of shoplifting.

Just as with every other criminal offense, there are defenses to theft charges. If you have been arrested, speak with an experienced Nashville theft attorney as soon as possible.

We defend clients charged with misdemeanor and felony theft offenses throughout the state, and our holistic approach helps us address the root cause, work toward a more advantageous resolution, and fight tirelessly to help our clients face brighter futures.

Contact our Nashville theft crime lawyers at (615) 265-6383 today.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the legal consequences of petty larceny in Nashville, TN?

In Nashville, TN, petty larceny is classified as a Class A misdemeanor when the property stolen is worth $500 or less. The legal consequences for this level of theft can include a fine of up to $2,500 and incarceration for a period not exceeding 11 months and 29 days.

How does Tennessee law differentiate between misdemeanor and felony theft?

Tennessee law differentiates theft crimes based on the value of the stolen property. Theft of property worth $500 or less is considered a misdemeanor, specifically petty theft. Conversely, theft involving property valued over $500 is classified as grand theft, which is a felony offense, with the degree of felony escalating with the value of the property.

Can property owners in Nashville seek civil penalties for theft?

Yes, in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, property owners have the right to seek civil penalties for theft. This is particularly common in cases of shoplifting, where the owner of the stolen goods can pursue compensation for their losses in addition to any criminal charges the perpetrator may face.

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At May McKinney, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Stop searching for an attorney. Stop worrying about your legal woes. Stop wondering if your attorney actually cares and start letting Rob McKinney handle your case."
In a nutshell, all of the glowing reviews that I read on this site are 100% spot-on. I had a DWI case reduced to reckless driving. Rob is a fighter and would have battled for a full dismissal if I had requested him to but after some discussion I concluded that accepting the lesser charge was the right move for me. Furthermore, Rob was able to file a motion and get the judge to dismiss my probation obligations once I finished the mandatory classes. It was the best possible result for me. I also need to mention that Karen, the front end of the firm, is spectacular and plays an important part in the firm's success and client experience. She responds to communications promptly and keeps you informed of what's happening as required while Rob and Shyanne stay busy getting the legal work done. Seriously, if you're searching for representation and nervous because you don't know who you can trust and rely on, just stop. I promise you these reviews you've been reading (just like I did before I contacted the firm) are accurate and you can quickly take some of the weight off of your shoulders by having a meeting at May & McKinney and retaining them for your case.

- D.T.
"Excellent Defense"
Excellent work great attorney definitely worth every star & every Pennie!!!!!

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"A Great Firm to work with!!"
Mr. McKinney assisted my daughter with two separate cases. Both were handled very professionally and had very positive outcomes. He was always helpful when meetings were held and assisted in making this extremely stressful time easier for her. I would recommend his firm to anyone who needs the assistance of very capable, professional, caring attorneys.

- L.R.
""Expert care, unwavering support, and a team that truly fights for you—Savannah and her staff go above and beyond!""
I cannot speak highly enough of Savannah and her incredible team. From the very start, she demonstrated expert care, attentiveness, and a true dedication to my case. Her professionalism and knowledge made the entire process smooth, and she took the time to ensure I understood every step along the way. What truly sets Savannah apart is her compassion and commitment. She and her staff were always responsive, thorough, and supportive, making me feel confident that my case was in the best hands. Their attention to detail and ability to navigate complex situations with ease made all the difference. I highly recommend Savannah and her team to anyone in need of expert legal representation. They not only fight for you but genuinely care about your well-being. Thank you for everything!

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My reputation is restored thanks to Ms. Riddle and May McKinney.

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We owe you so much for helping us and our son. We appreciate your legal expertise and support you gave our son this April.

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"Rob McKinney in an amazing attorney he will always be my first choice!"
I seriously can’t give this guy enough credit! I’ve made a few bad choices in my lifetime before I got it together and I’ve had rob mckinney represent me for most of it. No doubt at all that he’s the best man for the job. He’s got me the best possible outcome and always went above and beyond for me every step of the way. Rob is such a genuine person and truly cares! If you’re looking for a great lawyer look no further mr. McKinney is your guy!

- Josh woods
"Best criminal lawyer in Nashville."
I have met with Mr. McKinney during a very difficult time. I was welcomed with open arms. Aside from being the best lawyer, he is a very caring person. He accomplished the impossible in my case. He worked relentlessly and brought my charges down from a serious felony to a misdemeanor. Which is unheard of from what I understand. I would have faced deportation but with his expertise and commitment to my case now I can become a citizen. Rob McKinney and his team gave me a second chance in life! For that I am forever grateful.

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Why Choose May McKinney?

A Firm Committed to You, Your Case & Your Future

Nearly 80 Years of Combined Experience
Our accomplished attorneys bring almost eight decades of combined criminal defense experience.
Educated In Our Field
Our team believes in ongoing training in the criminal defense field. Our attorneys are educated in the latest forensic science technology and Attorney Riddle is Trauma Certified.
A Team Approach
Our attorneys work each case as a unit, which is extremely beneficial to our clients. No matter the case size, it's integral to get the experience and knowledge of a team.
An Aggressive Defense
When you choose May McKinney, you are choosing a team that will fight tooth and nail for your rights, your freedom, and your future.