Property Crimes Lawyer in Nashville

Property crime charges in Tennessee can lead to felony convictions, significant prison time, and a lasting criminal record. If law enforcement has contacted you about an investigation involving theft, burglary, or vandalism, it is important to remain silent and consult an attorney before answering any questions. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our attorneys defend clients facing property crime allegations of every grade.

Property Crimes Under Tennessee Law

Tennessee groups property crimes into several categories, each defined by statute and graded according to the value involved or the presence of aggravating factors. The charges most frequently seen by our attorneys in Davidson County include:

• Theft and shoplifting
• Burglary and aggravated burglary
• Robbery and aggravated robbery
• Vandalism and criminal mischief
• Arson
• Receiving or concealing stolen property
• Identity theft
• Forgery and criminal simulation

Each charge carries its own elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Facts that may seem minor, like the exact value of property or the presence of another person, can dramatically change the grading of the offense.

Penalties for Property Crimes in Nashville

Tennessee sentences property crime offenders based on the classification of the offense, with penalties ranging from misdemeanor probation to decades in state prison. The exact exposure depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the alleged conduct:

• Class A Misdemeanor ($1,000 or less): Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, plus fines up to $2,500.
• Class E Felony ($1,000 - $2,500): One to six years in state prison, plus fines up to $3,000.
• Class D Felony ($2,500 - $10,000): Two to 12 years in prison, plus fines up to $5,000.
• Class C Felony ($10,000 - $60,000): Three to 15 years in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.
• Class B Felony ($60,000 - $250,000): Eight to 30 years in prison, plus fines up to $25,000.
• Class A Felony ($250,000 or more): Fifteen to 60 years in prison, plus fines up to $50,000.

Judges also consider prior criminal history and aggravating factors that can push sentences toward the upper end of each range. Restitution orders and court costs often add thousands more to the financial burden of a conviction.

How Our Property Crimes Lawyers Fight for You

Every property crime case turns on the evidence the prosecution can actually produce and the procedures followed during the investigation. Our attorneys examine every element of the case to build a defense designed for your specific situation:

• Challenging the value of the alleged property
• Questioning eyewitness identifications
• Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Exposing gaps in the chain of custody
• Negotiating charge reductions or pretrial diversion
• Presenting alibi and mistaken identity defenses
• Cross-examining officers and lay witnesses at trial
• Pursuing dismissal when probable cause is weak

Each tactic targets a specific weakness in the state’s case and opens the door to a better outcome. Early investigation often uncovers evidence the prosecution missed or suppressed that can change the direction of your defense entirely.

Speak to a Knowledgeable Property Crimes Lawyer in Nashville Now

Property crime charges will not resolve themselves, and the State’s case only grows stronger the longer you wait to build a defense. Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, has two former district attorneys and decades of collective experience that our team brings to bear to examine your case from every angle. Call us at 615-846-9889 to schedule a free consultation with a property crimes lawyer in Nashville today.