White Collar and Financial Crimes in Tennessee

Tennessee no longer treats embezzlement as a separate crime. Instead, it is prosecuted as theft of property when a person lawfully entrusted with money or property—such as an employee, manager, or fiduciary—knowingly exercises control over it with intent to deprive the owner. These cases often arise from workplace or business disputes.

Forgery involves making, altering, possessing, or using a written document with intent to defraud. This can include checks, contracts, titles, or other financial documents. Forgery charges frequently accompany theft or fraud allegations.

Criminal simulation involves creating or altering objects—such as identification documents, labels, or tokens—with intent to defraud. These cases often overlap with identity theft or forgery investigations.

Identity theft occurs when a person knowingly uses another individual’s identifying information to obtain money, credit, goods, or services. These cases often involve digital evidence and can result in multiple felony counts.

Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card involves using card information without consent or beyond authorized limits. Charges often arise from unauthorized purchases, card skimming, or misuse of stored payment information.

Money laundering involves conducting financial transactions with proceeds of unlawful activity to conceal the source, ownership, or control of the funds. These charges are commonly filed alongside drug, fraud, or theft offenses and carry severe felony penalties.

Financial conspiracy charges allege that two or more people agreed to commit a financial crime—such as theft, fraud, or laundering—and that an overt act was taken in furtherance of that agreement. These charges are often used to expand liability beyond the person who directly handled the money.