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What is Considered a Shoplifting Offense in Tennessee?

By Baker Associates

Shoplifting is a ?theft of property? offense in Tennessee. Under the Tennessee Code, a person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner of property, the person knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without the owner's effective consent. Sentencing for shoplifting depends on the value of the merchandise that was allegedly stolen. If the value of the property was $500 or less, the crime is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This means that, if convicted, you could be facing up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property for merchandise valued over $500 is a felony and carries much stiffer penalties. To be convicted of shoplifting, however, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each element of the crime...continue to full post

Full post as published by Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog on July 31, 2009 (boomark / email).