Memphis Theft Attorney: Protecting Your Future

If you are facing theft charges in Shelby County, you need a Memphis theft attorney who understands the local legal landscape. A theft conviction can have life-long consequences, impacting your employment, reputation, and freedom. Whether you are dealing with shoplifting, burglary, or white-collar fraud, The Law Office of Jeffrey Jones provides the aggressive defense necessary to protect your rights in Tennessee courts.

Plea bargains, restitution to victims, community service and other options may be available in your case. Such options may help to reduce the charges and consequences that you face.

Defense Options For Shoplifting, Fraud And Other Types Of Theft

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey Jones, we independently investigate the case against you. To be proven guilty in Tennessee, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and that burden is high. Proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to steal property, commit fraud or purchase goods you knew to be stolen requires there to be no other reasonable explanation for your actions or possession of stolen property.

Witness testimony that is not credible, lack of probable cause for your arrest, violations of your constitutional rights during arrest or processing, and circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution can all benefit your case and lead to getting the charges against you dismissed.

Experienced defense representation is critical before pursuing any defense strategy. Even for relatively minor charges, such as shoplifting, the quality of your defense will determine the rest of your life.

Understanding Tennessee Theft Penalties

When you are facing theft charges, the legal stakes are tied directly to the financial figures involved. Under T.C.A. § 39-14-105, the prosecution categorizes offenses based on the fair market value of the alleged stolen goods or services. Because these thresholds are rigid, a difference of a few dollars can be the factor that elevates a case from a minor matter to a life-altering felony.

The following hierarchy outlines how Tennessee classifies these offenses:

• Class A misdemeanor ($1,000 or less): This is the entry-point charge often seen in shoplifting defense cases involving smaller retail items. While it is the least severe category, a conviction still carries the weight of a permanent criminal record and potential jail time.
• Class E felony ($1,000 to $2,500): This tier acts as the bridge into felony territory, where the long-term ramifications become significantly more damaging. A conviction here can strip away certain civil rights and create massive hurdles for your future professional licensing.
• Class D through A felonies ($2,500 to $250,000 or more): These high-level charges involve a massive jump in prison exposure, with potential sentences ranging from two to 60 years. When the stakes reach this level, the complexity of the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center requires a steady, veteran hand.

Our Memphis theft attorney knows that the valuation of property is often a point of contention. The state must meet the burden of proof to show the exact worth of the items to justify a specific sentencing range. If the valuation is inflated, we work to challenge that evidence to protect you from excessive penalties. Additionally, Tennessee law frequently requires restitution payments to victims as part of a judgment.

As such, the legal requirement for a conviction hinges on the “intent to deprive” the owner of their property. Without clear evidence of this intent, the prosecution may struggle to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Memphis theft lawyer provides the reliable guidance needed to seek a dismissal or a diversion program, making sure one incident does not destroy your career.

Get Committed, Focused Defense

We advocate for your best interests in and out of court, and we can defend you against all types of charges in state or federal court, including:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Auto theft
• White collar crimes
  • Employee theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Identity theft
  • Extortion
  • RICO charges
  • Credit card theft
  • Bank fraud
  • Tax fraud
  • Medicare fraud
  • Social Security fraud
  • Welfare fraud
• Money laundering
• Corruption
• Possession of stolen property

Consult With A Memphis Theft Attorney Now

All communications with our office are 100 percent confidential, and we are available at your convenience. We safeguard your reputation while building the strongest possible theft defense for your unique case.

Please call our office in Bartlett at 901-410-5751​ to schedule an attorney consultation, or contact us online. We are responsive days, nights and on weekends.