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Gasoline Theft and Affirmative Defenses

By Baker Associates

Driving off without paying for gas is a serious offense in Tennessee. Not only can you lose your license, but you can be put in jail and be required to pay fines. Probation, restitution and license restoration fees may also be involved. Moreover, a gasoline theft conviction goes on your permanent public record, risking your reputation and job opportunities. What is gasoline theft? Gasoline theft is treated under the law as any other theft crime in that punishment is meted out based upon the value of the product stolen. Since in the typical case a tank of gas is less than $500, gasoline theft is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a prison sentence of no more than a year and/or up to a $2,500 fine. As a theft crime, a person who is charged with gasoline theft also has available to him/her certain ?affirmative? defenses...continue to full post

Full post as published by Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog on August 27, 2009 (boomark / email).