Theft and Shoplifting Attorney in Knoxville, TN

Being charged with theft or shoplifting in Tennessee is a serious matter that can carry long-term consequences. Even a relatively minor theft charge can result in a criminal record that impacts your employment, education, and future opportunities. At Easter & DeVore, we provide strong and strategic criminal defense for individuals facing theft and shoplifting charges in Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas. We work to protect your rights, fight for your reputation, and seek the best possible outcome in your case.

Understanding Theft Charges in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, theft occurs when someone knowingly obtains or exercises control over another’s property without consent and with intent to deprive the owner of it. Theft includes a range of offenses, from petty shoplifting to complex fraud or embezzlement schemes.

Tennessee classifies theft based on the value of the property allegedly taken:

  • Theft under $1,000 is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
  • Theft between $1,000 and $2,500 is a Class E felony.
  • Higher value thefts can be charged as Class D, C, or B felonies, with increasing penalties including years in prison and substantial fines.

Our legal team will help you understand the specific charges against you and explain the potential penalties you are facing.

Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting is a common form of theft and can include:

  • Concealing merchandise
  • Switching price tags
  • Walking out of a store without paying
  • Altering packaging or labels to avoid full payment

Retailers in Tennessee take these offenses seriously, and store personnel often work closely with law enforcement to prosecute suspected shoplifters. In addition to criminal charges, you may also face civil penalties, including lawsuits from the retailer seeking restitution or damages.

At Easter & DeVore, we examine every detail of your case, including surveillance footage, eyewitness reports, and the conduct of loss prevention personnel. We look for opportunities to challenge the evidence, assert your rights, and negotiate favorable resolutions.

First-Time Offenders and Diversion Programs

If this is your first offense, you may qualify for judicial diversion, a program that allows for the dismissal and expungement of your charges upon successful completion of probation and other court-ordered requirements. Diversion is not automatic and must be approved by the court, but it can be a valuable option for avoiding a permanent criminal record.

Our attorney advocates strongly for diversion when appropriate and guides clients through every step of the process to ensure compliance and success.

Protecting Your Rights and Future

A theft or shoplifting conviction can follow you for years, affecting your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or pursue higher education. That’s why it’s essential to work with a defense attorney who understands both the legal and practical implications of these charges.

Contact Easter & DeVore

If you have been charged with theft or shoplifting in Knoxville, TN, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact Easter & DeVore today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We are here to protect your rights and fight for your future. Schedule your consultation now.