CRIMES OF DISHONESTY: THEFTS, BURGLARIES, FRAUD, and FORGERY

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Meredith Silva is an experienced criminal defense attorney that will defend you on your theft and burglary charges using her fifteen years of experience in criminal law. Crimes of dishonesty often have consequences above and beyond any criminal sentence you may receive. Most employers steer clear of hiring people with theft convictions, especially if you are going to be dealing with money.  Furthermore, convictions for theft type offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude and can affect  your immigration status and your reputation.  Silva Law understands the serious consequences of theft, burglary charges and other crimes of dishonesty and will fight to defend you.

Some of the most common crimes of dishonesty include theft and burglary charges. Silva law has handled hundreds of theft and burglary cases and is experienced in handling all crimes of dishonesty including but not limited to forgery, fraud, worthless checks, criminal simulation and extortion.

What are the punishments for theft in Tennessee?

The punishments for theft charges in Tennessee depend on the value of what was stolen.  Theft of property or theft of services punishments range from a Class A misdemeanor where the maximum penalty is 11 months and 29 days in jail if the value of what was stolen was less than $1,000 to a Class A felony punishable by 60 years in prison if the value of what was stolen was greater than $250,000.  See T.C.A. 39-14-105.

What is a burglary in Tennessee?

People often misunderstand the legal definition of burglary.  In Tennessee, the crime of burglary is when a person, without the effective consent of the property owner:

(1)  Enters a building other than a habitation (or any portion thereof) not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft or assault;

(2)  Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft or assault, in a building;

(3)  Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft or assault; or

(4)  Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft or assault.

What are the punishments for burglary in Tennessee?

Burglary of a building other than a home is a Class D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Burglary of an automobile, boat or plane is a Class E felony punishable by up to 6 years in prisons and a $2,500 fine.

What is an Aggravated Burglary in Tennessee?

An aggravated burglary is in essence, a burglary of a home.  The law defines an aggravated burglary as when a defendant unlawfully enters or remains in a habitation (any structure designed or adapted for overnight dwelling) with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault therein. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-403.) 

What is the punishment for an Aggravated Burglary in Tennessee?

An aggravated burglary is a class c felony and is punishable by 15 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.

What is an Especially Aggravated Burglary in Tennessee?

An especially aggravated burglary is in essence, a burglary of a home in which a person lawfully on the premises ends up with serious bodily injury.  

What is the punishment for an Aggravated Burglary in Tennessee? 

An especially aggravated burglary is a class b felony and is punishable by 30 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000.

Speak with an experienced Nashville theft and burglary defense lawyer about your case.  Silva Law represents clients in Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area in sessions court and in criminal court for negotiations, motions to suppress and trials.  We promise to never stop fighting to you.  Silva law offers in-custody visits. To make an appointment with an experienced defense attorney, call 615-258-5541 or email meredith@msilvalaw.com.