Not all instances of theft are treated the same under the law. For example, being found guilty of stealing property from a shop will be treated differently than the act of engaging in fraud or not paying what is owed at a restaurant.<\/p>\n
If you have been accused of theft in Tennessee, take time to understand the laws that apply to your situation.<\/p>\n
Theft of property<\/b><\/p>\n
An individual will face charges of theft of property if he or she intentionally deprives an owner of their property or their belongings. Theft of property could occur if a person breaks into another person’s home to steal property held within the home, or if commercial property is taken from a store.<\/p>\n
Theft of services<\/b><\/p>\n
Theft of services can be perpetrated in many ways. It could be done through deception, for example, by trying to deceive a worker regarding how many hours they have worked and how much money they are owed. It could also occur through fraud, forgery, coercion or false pretense.<\/p>\n
In addition, a person could be charged with the crime of theft if they leave an establishment (such as a restaurant) with the intent of not paying for the services owed.<\/p>\n
Possible defenses<\/b><\/p>\n
Criminal defense strategy depends on the specific circumstances.<\/p>\n
A possible route of defense is to argue that there was a\u00a0lack of intent to commit the crime<\/a>. For example, if you left a restaurant without paying, you may not have done so intentionally. You may have walked away absent-mindedly, or you may have miscalculated the cash that you left at the table.<\/p>\n Do you have questions?<\/b><\/p>\n