Property Crimes in Tennessee

If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you likely have many questions about the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. There is a range of property crimes in Tennessee and the seriousness of each offense bears on the resultant penalty. It’s important to understand the charges against you to make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

A common property crime is vandalism. In Tennessee, one who commits vandalism knowingly and/or deliberately causes damage to the property of another. As one type of theft crime, the potential punishment for vandalism depends on the value of the loss. The greater the loss, the more serious the legal consequences.

Other property crimes include burglary and trespassing. Burglary involves the entering of a building or vehicle without authorization, or remaining concealed in a building, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. An aggravated burglary involves the same activity in a home. Trespassing occurs when one who knowingly lacks consent enters or remains on a property. The penalties for both burglary and trespassing depend on the seriousness of the crime. With aggravated burglary or trespass, there is potential for heightened punishment. For instance, a conviction of aggravated burglary could result in a sentence of 3–15 years in prison.

Arson is a very serious property crime due to the heightened risk of harm to individuals and large financial loss. Arson carries a potential sentence of 3–15 years in prison, and fines of up to $10,000. If an individual is present in a structure at the time the arson occurs, an arsonist may be charged with aggravated arson. This more serious charge carries a potential sentence of 15-60 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

If you’ve been charged with a property crime, hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is vital to protecting your rights.