More Than 100 Infiniti Cars Stolen in Nashville in 6 Months

 Posted on October 24, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Officials report that more than 100 Infiniti brand cars have been stolen in Nashville over the past six months. While Infiniti is not the only type of automobile stolen, it represents the largest number of a single type of car. Any vehicle with a keyless entry or a push-to-start appears to be at risk for motor vehicle theft. It appears that the thieves are using a new type of device that reprograms a key fob, allowing the car to be driven away.

A Nashville locksmith noted that car owners should always lock their vehicles, set the alarm, consider an aftermarket alarm, park the car inside a garage or fence rather than on the street, and keep their key fob in a Faraday bag at night. A Faraday bag is an enclosed, sealed unit that prevents signals from being sent due to the multiple metallic layers. Because there have been so many car thefts and carjackings recently, the state has published steps to take for those who have had a vehicle stolen.     

While it may be easier to steal a car than it once was, thanks to modern-day technology, it is a decision with long-term consequences. The penalties for car theft and carjacking in the state of Tennessee are severe and could completely derail your life for many years. If you have been charged with car theft or carjacking, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Anderson County, TN, criminal defense attorney.

Car Theft Laws in Tennessee

Motor vehicle theft involves taking property that belongs to another person without that person’s permission. There must be an intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle of his or her property – in this case, a vehicle. The theft laws in the state apply to those who steal cars as well as owners of "chop shops" who knowingly buy stolen cars from car thieves.

The charges and penalties for stealing a vehicle depend on its value. If the stolen vehicle's value is more than $1,000 but less than $2,500, the offender faces a Class E felony, which can result in up to six years in prison and a fine as large as $3,000. Stealing a vehicle that is valued at more than $2,500 but less than $10,000, along with owning or operating a chop shop, will be charged as a Class D felony, which can result in two to 12 years in prison and a fine as large as $5,000.

If the vehicle stolen is worth at least $10,000 but less than $60,000, the offender will be charged with a Class C felony, which can result in three to 15 years in prison and a fine as large as $10,000. The most serious class of auto theft is a Class B felony for a vehicle with a value of more than $60,000 but less than $250,000. A conviction for this Class B felony can result in from eight to 30 years in prison and a fine as large as $25,000.

The Crime of Carjacking in Tennessee

Carjacking involves taking a car from a driver or passenger through the use of force, intimidation, threats, or a deadly weapon. If a weapon is used to force a driver out of his or her vehicle, the carjacker will be charged with a Class B felony, with a sentence of eight to 30 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted.

Contact a Knox County, TN Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with car theft or carjacking, you need a Union County, TN motor vehicle theft defense attorney with significant experience in defending these types of criminal offenses. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand that facing criminal charges brings stress, fear about the outcome, and many other concerns. We will provide you with a free, confidential consultation where we will review your charges and answer your questions. Call 865-281-1000 today.