Knoxville Property Crimes Lawyer

Attorney for Clients Facing Charges of Robbery, Burglary, and Theft

If you have been charged with any type of property crime, you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty about the difficult road that lies ahead. This might be especially true if you are dealing with the Tennessee criminal justice system for the first time. At the law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we realize property crimes include a wide variety of offenses, each with its own range of possible penalties. We will help you understand your options while ensuring that your rights are fully protected.

Under Tennessee law, property crime is a serious charge, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to others. For example, vandalism or low-level shoplifting may not seem all that bad, but the consequences of a conviction could be severe. Any conviction has the ability to affect the rest of your life.

Types of Property Crimes

Property crimes generally include any offense where a person gains or exercises unauthorized or illicit control over someone else's property or services. In this context, "control" could also include destroying, defacing, or damaging the property. Common examples of property crimes in Tennessee include:

• Robbery: Robbery is the crime of stealing another person's property by means of violence or the threat of violence. Aggravated robbery involves the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious injury on the victim;
• Burglary: Burglary occurs when a person enters or hides in a building or vehicle while intending to steal or to commit assault or another serious crime. If the building is a home, the offense may be charged as aggravated burglary. Trespassing may be charged if the perpetrator did not intend to steal or commit assault.
• Motor vehicle theft: There are several different offenses associated with the theft of a motor vehicle, ranging from joyriding to carjacking.
• Theft: Unauthorized taking of another's property or services is theft. Theft may also include theft of services, credit card fraud, identity theft, and theft by deception;
• Vandalism: Deliberate damage to someone else's property is vandalism. Charges for vandalism may vary based on the value of the property the damage caused; and
• Arson: Arson refers to starting a fire with the intention of destroying property. If the property is occupied at the time of the fire, the charge may be considered aggravated arson.

As with most crimes, the severity of property crime charges will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Factors such as the type and value of the property or services, as well as the age, health, and disability status of the victim could make the charges even more serious. The penalties associated with such crimes can range from probation and fines to long periods in prison.

Put a Union County Defense Lawyer on Your Side

From the moment you call our firm, we are ready to start working on your behalf immediately. It is crucial to call us as soon as you can so that we can begin building your case. Failing to act right away could be costly, as critical evidence like security videos could be erased, lost, or damaged. In addition, you should never answer questions from the police or prosecutors without an attorney present. We can help you avoid compromising your constitutional rights.

Contact Our Knoxville Property Crimes Defense Lawyers

To learn more about our firm and our approach to property crime defense, contact our office. Call 865-281-1000 for a free, no-obligation consultation today. Our team represents clients in Knoxville, Farragut, Mascot, Campbell County, Union County, Anderson County, Knox County, Blount County, and the surrounding areas.