Theft is one of the most commonly charged crimes in Tennessee, but many people don’t realize how easily a seemingly minor theft can escalate into a felony offense. Whether it involves shoplifting, taking property from an employer, or being accused of financial fraud, the stakes are high—and a felony conviction can carry lifelong consequences.
Under Tennessee law, the seriousness of a theft charge depends largely on the value of the property taken. But other factors such as the type of property or a person’s criminal history can also influence whether a theft is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly when theft becomes a felony in Tennessee, what penalties you could be facing, and how related crimes like embezzlement, shoplifting, and white-collar fraud fit into the picture. If you’re facing theft charges, a Knoxville criminal defense attorney can help you understand how Tennessee law works and what steps to take next.
What Counts as Theft in Tennessee?
Tennessee law defines theft under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-103. In simple terms, a person commits theft when they knowingly take someone else’s property without their consent, intending to permanently deprive the owner of it.
This definition covers a broad range of behavior—it’s not just about physically stealing something. Theft can involve actions like:
- Shoplifting from a retail store
- Taking money or property from an employer (embezzlement)
- Using someone’s credit card without permission
- Failing to return rental property like a car or equipment
- Receiving stolen property knowing it was unlawfully obtained
Importantly, Tennessee law doesn’t treat all thefts the same. The seriousness of the charge depends largely on the value of the property or services taken, which we’ll break down in the next section.
When Is Theft a Felony in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, theft becomes a felony when the value of the stolen property or services exceeds $1,000. The state uses a tiered system based on value to determine whether a theft is a misdemeanor or a felony, and what class of felony it is:
- $1,000 or less – Class A Misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500
- Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500
- $1,000 – $2,500 – Class E Felony
- 1 to 6 years in prison, up to $3,000 in fines
- 1 to 6 years in prison, up to $3,000 in fines
- $2,500 – $10,000 – Class D Felony
- 2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines
- 2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines
- $10,000 – $60,000 – Class C Felony
- 3 to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
- 3 to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
- $60,000 – $250,000 – Class B Felony
- 8 to 30 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines
- 8 to 30 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines
- Over $250,000 – Class A Felony
- 15 to 60 years in prison, up to $50,000 in fines
Examples:
- Stealing a $200 pair of headphones? That’s a misdemeanor.
- Shoplifting several designer bags totaling $3,500? That’s a Class D felony.
- Embezzling $75,000 from a business account? That’s a Class B felony—and a serious white-collar crime.
It’s important to note that Tennessee law uses the “aggregate value” if multiple items are stolen as part of a single scheme or course of conduct. That means stealing multiple smaller items over time could still add up to a felony.
Related Theft Crimes in Tennessee
While “theft” is the umbrella term, Tennessee law includes several related crimes that are legally classified as theft—and they can carry the same felony consequences depending on the value involved.
Shoplifting
Often thought of as a minor offense, shoplifting is legally just another form of theft. If the value of the merchandise is $1,000 or less, it’s typically charged as a misdemeanor. But cross that $1,000 mark—whether in a single incident or through multiple coordinated acts—and it can quickly become a felony.
Embezzlement
Tennessee doesn’t have a separate statute for embezzlement; instead, it’s charged under the general theft law. Embezzlement usually involves an employee or someone in a position of trust taking money or property for personal use. Even smaller acts of embezzlement can result in felony charges, especially if the amount stolen adds up over time.
White-Collar Theft
Crimes like identity theft, credit card fraud, and insurance fraud often fall under the category of white-collar theft. These offenses typically don’t involve physically taking something, but they’re still prosecuted under theft laws—and usually at the felony level. Because these crimes are often premeditated and involve financial harm, courts take them seriously.
Additional Consequences of Felony Theft Charges
While the law sets clear sentencing ranges for felony theft in Tennessee, the lasting impact of a felony conviction often goes far beyond fines and prison time.
Employment Challenges
A felony on your record—especially one involving dishonesty—can disqualify you from many jobs. Employers often run background checks, and theft-related offenses raise red flags about trustworthiness.
Loss of Civil Rights
A felony conviction in Tennessee can lead to the loss of:
- Voting rights
- Firearm ownership
- The ability to serve on a jury
These rights can be restored in some cases, but the process is complex and far from guaranteed.
Housing and Financial Hardship
Landlords frequently screen tenants, and a felony conviction may disqualify you from rental housing. Some financial institutions may also deny loans or credit—especially if the offense involved fraud or financial crimes.
Professional and Occupational Licenses
Felony convictions can jeopardize or block:
- Nursing and healthcare licenses
- Teaching credentials
- Real estate and insurance licenses
- Government employment
Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, a theft-related felony may result in deportation, denial of citizenship, or refusal of visa renewals—even if it’s a first offense.
Defending Against Felony Theft Charges
A felony theft charge in Tennessee is serious—but it’s not the same as a conviction. There could be multiple ways to challenge the prosecution’s case, especially if you act early and have experienced legal representation.
Common Defenses to Felony Theft
- Lack of Intent – Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. If you believed the property was yours, or intended to return it, that may undercut the charge.
- Mistaken Identity – In cases like shoplifting or employee theft, surveillance footage or witness testimony may be unreliable.
- Consent – If the owner gave permission or there was a misunderstanding about ownership, theft may not have occurred.
- False Accusations – Disputes between business partners, family members, or coworkers can sometimes lead to exaggerated or false claims.
- Accounting or Clerical Errors – In embezzlement or white-collar cases, the alleged “theft” may be a misinterpretation of financial records.
Why Legal Representation Matters
It’s possible for felony theft charges to be reduced or even dismissed, but achieving that outcome often depends on how quickly you act and the quality of your legal representation. From the moment you’re accused of theft, every statement you make and every decision you take can influence the direction of your case.
At Barnes & Fersten, our team takes a hands-on approach to every theft case we handle. We work directly with our clients to understand what really happened, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and develop a defense strategy that fits the facts—not assumptions.
Our experienced criminal defense lawyers can intervene early to protect your rights, gather evidence in your favor, and negotiate for reduced charges or entry into diversion programs that can help you avoid a permanent felony record. We can also ensure that law enforcement followed proper procedures when investigating or questioning you—mistakes in those steps could result in key evidence being excluded.
Protect Your Future from a Felony Theft Charge
Felony theft charges in Tennessee can have life-altering consequences—from prison time to losing your job, housing, and even your right to vote. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty, and you don’t have to face the system alone.
Our law firm has helped people across Knoxville and East Tennessee navigate serious theft and criminal charges with compassion, strategy, and determination. Whether you’re dealing with a shoplifting accusation, an embezzlement investigation, or a white-collar theft case, our criminal defense team in Knoxville is ready to help.
Don’t leave your future to chance–call our defense law firm at 865-805-5703 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can build a strong defense for your case.
Attorney At Law, Managing Partner
Brandon D. Fersten is an esteemed Knoxville attorney practicing DUI, criminal defense, and juvenile law. Known for his empathetic approach and commitment to his clients, he brings a record of favorable case outcomes including dismissals and not guilty verdicts at jury trials resulting in Brandon being recognized as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in Criminal Defense, U.S. News’ Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch,” and Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars”. Brandon’s professional accolades, combined with his passion for justice, position him as a reliable criminal defense advocate in the East Tennessee legal landscape, including Knox County, Blount County, Sevier County, Loudon County, Roane County, Anderson County, Cumberland County, Hamblen County, Monroe County, and McMinn County.
