Property Crimes in Tennessee

Theft of property involves knowingly taking or exercising control over another person’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Theft charges are graded based on the value of the property involved and can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Theft of services occurs when a person intentionally obtains services without paying for them, such as lodging, utilities, transportation, or labor. These cases often involve disputes over intent, payment arrangements, or misunderstandings that later escalate into criminal charges.

Burglary involves entering or remaining in certain buildings, vehicles, or structures without consent and with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. Burglary charges often arise even when no property is ultimately taken.

Aggravated burglary is burglary of a habitation, such as a home or residence. Tennessee law treats these offenses particularly seriously due to the heightened risk to occupants, and convictions carry significant prison exposure.

Criminal trespass involves entering or remaining on property without the owner’s consent. These charges are often misdemeanors but can escalate depending on prior history or circumstances surrounding the entry.

Aggravated criminal trespass applies when trespass occurs under specific aggravating circumstances, such as entering certain locations after notice or refusing to leave. These cases frequently overlap with domestic disputes or landlord-tenant conflicts.

Robbery involves taking property from another person by violence or fear. Unlike theft, robbery focuses on the use or threat of force, making it a felony offense with severe penalties.

Aggravated robbery includes robbery committed with a deadly weapon or resulting in serious bodily injury. These charges are aggressively prosecuted and carry lengthy prison sentences.

Carjacking occurs when a motor vehicle is taken from another person by force or intimidation. These cases often involve additional charges related to weapons, assault, or flight from law enforcement.

Vandalism involves knowingly causing damage to property without the owner’s consent. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the damage and may range from misdemeanor to felony-level offenses.